Thriving Through Trials

Inspiring Resilience and Building Hope

Christmas: A Season for Everyone

Christmas is a time when the world collectively pauses to celebrate. It is the most followed and commercialized season on Earth, transcending borders, beliefs, and backgrounds. Yet at its core, Christmas is a profound reminder of a story that changed history, a story about Jesus, the refugee Son of God.

Born in a humble manger, His arrival was first revealed to shepherds, the lowest in society’s hierarchy. These were not kings, scholars, or astronauts but simple, overlooked laborers. At the same time, the wise men, educated and powerful, were led by a star to honor Him. Even King Herod, though he reacted with jealousy and fear, was made aware of His birth. From the least to the greatest, and everyone in between, Jesus’ coming touched every layer of society.

Before He performed miracles, taught multitudes, or even set foot in a synagogue, Jesus experienced life on the margins. He was born in obscurity, fled as a refugee, and endured rejection. This experience made His message uniquely inclusive. Christmas, therefore, isn’t just for those who believe in Him but for everyone. It’s a celebration of hope, peace, and the universal truth that no one is too lowly or too lofty to matter in the grand story of God’s love.

As we celebrate, let us remember the beauty of this season: it’s for the shepherds and the kings, the refugees and the settled, the believers and the skeptics. It’s a time to embrace the inclusivity that Jesus’ birth represents. No matter where we find ourselves, high or low, Christmas reminds us that we are all seen, loved, and welcomed into the joy of the season.

So, whether through faith, tradition, or simply the spirit of giving, let’s celebrate Christmas for what it truly is: a season for everyone.

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Innocent Magambi

I was born a refugee in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Burundian parents, my first 27 years were spent navigating the challenges of five different refugee camps, forging an indomitable spirit and deep empathy. The pivotal moment came when the opportunity for a university education presented itself, leading me to found There is Hope. For 15 years, I led this non-profit organisation with a visionary approach to impact thousands of people through education, vocational training and job creation. As a refugee rights advocate and CEO of Inua Advocacy, a human rights organisation fighting for the dignity of refugees in Malawi, my commitment is both professional and deeply personal. My book, Refugee For Life, not only recounts my personal journey as a refugee, but also highlights the transformative power of individual action for entire communities. From surviving as a refugee to shaping the destinies of others, I stand as a beacon of empathy and adaptability. I have been privileged to be interviewed by respected outlets such as Voice of America, BBC World Service and The Guardian. Beyond the media, I share my insights in a variety of forums, including churches, charities, schools and prestigious institutions such as Oxford University. As an Obama Fellow and participant in respected fellowships, my life’s journey reflects the profound impact one person, driven by a compassionate vision, can have on the lives of many.

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