On December 25th our family reads The Christ Child before we begin the day's festivities. It is a lovely children's book with vivid illustrations. We read not because we can't recall the details but rather to honor their memory. I notice, though, that the last few pages are not my favorite. They tell about when Jesus was left behind in the temple. His parents looked for three days before finding him, speaking to the wise men and teachers. Jesus is no longer the sweet baby but almost a
teenager. Plus by then I am getting antsy to finish the book so that we can plunge into opening presents. Sorry, but there it is.
This week the church service was about this story, and actors reenacted it. I was moved to see his mother's anxious face when she realized he was not among the group, and the innocence of the boy when they found him. The message was that even though we so joyfully came with haste to see the Lord in the manger, just a few verses later we sometimes walk away without Him.
Three days is a long time to lose track of your kid. As a mother I have gone ballistic in a much shorter span, imagining all manner of tragedies. Yet forgetting about God slips in without fanfare. It is hard to remember that you have forgotten.
Someone commented that she resonated with Mary's knee jerk response. His mother blamed Jesus for causing her distress, when perhaps she might have first asked if he was alright. Or said that she was sorry. Or that she was enormously relieved to have found him again.
It can be easier to fault God for abandoning us, for neglecting our concerns, than to shoulder the responsibility for our disconnect. I am intrigued that the young boy asks why they were even looking for him. Is this because he does not know, or because they don't?
I guess there are still things I don't understand. Plus maybe we can find Him if we go looking. Even if it has been a really long time.
And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking
Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him,
"Son, why have You done this to us? Look, your father and I have sought You anxiously." And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Luke 2
