Today is December 18th. For some in the United States, apparently a day marked with the celebration of “National Pig Suckling Day.” But for the more average person in both Germany and the U.S., it is the fourth Sunday of Advent. Seven days before Christmas. For many, the last free day off from work to buy Christmas gifts, to decorate, and to bake cookies before Christmas Eve quickly approaches, people prepare to travel to see their family, or prepare for their family members to come and visit them for the holidays.
For this reason, in the midst of the Advent and Christmas bustle, the fact that December 18th is also International Migrants Day is easily overlooked, much as are the migrants themselves who live and work in countries other than their native lands.
This year, in lighting the fourth and final Advent candle – the candle of Joy – might we think of those who have no cause for joy in their lives. As the 11th International Migrants Day leads us into the final week of Advent, might we think of the other, of the person who will be working this Christmas. Of the person who has been collecting their pennies to give her son a piece of chocolate, to give his daughter a small doll. Of the person who lacks proper documentation to travel home to their children or to be reunited with family members who they have not seen in years. Might we remember their legal, political, social and economic rights and their humanity – and their right to celebrate with us this holiday. Might we collectively seek to embrace the Joy of Advent and Christmas.
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