God,
Protector of the poor, the weak, the most vulnerable -
You prodded Joseph to gather up Mary and the Baby
and run to safety in Egypt.
Our hearts break for parents around our world today
who gather up their children
but have no place to run
from violence and oppression,
from hunger and sickness,
from poverty and harsh weather.
Spread over them your holy wings, dear Savior.
Keep them safe today
and help them find a peaceful tomorrow.
Kelly Lattimore Our Lady Protectress of the Most Vulnerable
and a bonus prayer -
We think of him as safe beneath the steeple,
Or cozy in a crib beside the font,
But he is with a million displaced people
On the long road of weariness and want.
For even as we sing our final carol
His family is up and on that road,
Fleeing the wrath of someone else’s quarrel,
Glancing behind and shouldering their load.
Whilst Herod rages still from his dark tower
Christ clings to Mary, fingers tightly curled,
The lambs are slaughtered by the men of power,
And death squads spread their curse across the world.
But every Herod dies, and comes alone
To stand before the Lamb upon the throne.
-Malcolm Guite, Refugee
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