After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.

Luke 2:43-44

For Meditation

Charles R. Swindoll writes that he refuses “to force hilarity into the backseat every time responsibility takes the wheel.” Well, sometimes also, hilarity can force responsibility to take the backseat and ruin the fun. The irresponsibility it creates has led to many catastrophes, including death sometimes. That is why, in every situation, a healthy balance must rule. Enjoy your ride then, but be responsible at the same time.

How could Joseph and Mary travel an entire day on their way back from Jerusalem to Nazareth without knowing that their twelve-year-old Son was not with them? It sounds like the classic movie – “Home Alone” to me. Only this time, the parents of Jesus unknowingly left Him behind in the temple of God in Jerusalem.

In that 1990 Christmas classic, the excitement of spending Christmas in Paris caused the McCallisters to leave their eight-year-old-son, Kevin, at home when they rushed to catch their early morning flight. The parents only realized their irresponsibility in midair.

I can see the Caravan of Galilean worshipers snaking through the rugged hills northwards from Jerusalem towards Nazareth. Still, in a festive mood, they sing along the eighty-five-mile road for a full day. Someone remembers Jesus, and they look for Him frantically among their relatives. Their search sends them back to Jerusalem, where they find Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening, and asking questions (Luke 2:44-48).

This story should remind us of our journey from the festivities of Christmas towards the New Year. The decorations have not come down yet. The stores are still churning out items on sale to keep spending going. Carols still fill the air in Shopping Malls around the world. The expectation of a better 2021 rings out in many conversations, and people rejoice over countless marriages in romantic location settings. So, up the road, we travel. But where is the boy Jesus?

Challenge many around you for the core message they heard at any of our Christmas services, and you will get embarrassing responses. The story is like that of Joseph and Mary. Many have forgotten Jesus already and are traveling into the coming year without the Word. We may have traveled five days into the journey from Christmas to the New Year, but it is not too late for us to stop and go back for the Word that will guide us into a prosperous 2021. Just be careful to go to the right place, the temple of the Only True God, Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory and honor to Him. Amen!