What a contrast of images and experiences this Christmas season has delivered to us! Nativity scenes have moved us through time and space to Bethlehem and memories and movies have moved us back to childhood moments of opening presents and to more grown-up memories of opening our very selves to new graces and experiences through New Year’s resolutions. In sharp contrast, the news reports that two Guatemalan migrant children died while in custodial care. The government has been shut down because of disagreement about building a wall against migrant families and now there Joseph fled to Egypt to protect Jesus. Can we expect other parents to do less? Christmas may call us to open presents. It always calls us to be the presence of a merciful God to those in need.