Have you ever lost your child? Having had the experience of losing our son in the store years ago – the panic, worry, and stress that came with it – it reminds me of one of the first stories about Jesus. It takes place when He, Joseph, and Mary were visiting Jerusalem with some other families for the Feast of Passover.
At first, it is easy to think that your child is with other friends in the crowd, but then you realise you don’t hear his laughter or see him anywhere nearby. The search began in earnest, and they had to travel back to Jerusalem to find Him. When they found Jesus, He was perfectly fine. In fact, He was astounding people with his questions and answers.
Today, I wonder if we get so busy doing life sometimes, that we lose Jesus like Mary and Joseph did. We stop experiencing God’s presence and His divine interruptions. Perhaps the beginning of a new year is a good time to search out where Jesus is and to join Him in conversation and in the important work he is doing.
They began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. — Luke 2:44-45
Let’s Prayer
Yahweh, at the start of this new year, help me find you and walk the journey of life with you. Father, help us to listen to you and follow you. Thanks for being here with us when we have forgotten about you, in Christ’s name. Amen.
