Jesus was a Refugee

God makes sure that orphans and widows are treated fairly; God loves the foreigners who live with our people, and gives them food and clothes. So then, show love for those foreigners, because you were once foreigners in Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:18-19)

• “Long ago I gave these commands to my people: ‘You must see that justice is done, and must show kindness and mercy to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners who live among you, or anyone else in need.” (Zechariah 7:9)

• I am the Lord, and I consider all people the same, whether they are Israelites or foreigners living among you. (Numbers 15:16)

• See that justice is done – help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows. (Isaiah 1:17)

Canada has a population of 35 million people and Sweden has a population just under 10 million. Canada has received 200 Syrian refugees to date and Sweden has welcomed 30,000. Why is this? While the Canadian government has denounced the barbarity of the Assad regime we seem unwilling to respond to the plight of those deeply affected. This is what foreign affairs minister John Baird said after visiting refugee camps:

It is tremendously important for the world to see the victims of Assad's repression and to see the conditions in those camps and be inspired to do more. I can't imagine how horrifying it is to flee your home and risk life and limb for you and your family to escape this regime.

Yet, whenever government ministers including Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander  are asked about our commitment to admitting Syrians they are vague and evasive. Now we hear that Syrian refugees are flooding into Turkey out of fears of attack in their camps.

We have a long history in this country of acting decisively to welcome refugees and churches have often been at the forefront of those efforts. There is lots of evidence that federal policy is making it more difficult for faith groups to do this work.  
http://www.thestar.com/news/immigration/2014/09/22/canadas_refugee_sponsorship_program_under_threat.html
The biblical mandate is clear about caring for the vulnerable, including foreigners. And Jesus was a refugee as a child. Should we become more vocal as denominations and congregations, and willing to be involved in sponsorship? Just as important, do we expect our governments to welcome the stranger?