“Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.” Luke 2.41-47
With Christmas Day now behind us, this will be my final post in the “preparing for Christmas” series. I think it’s fitting to conclude by fast-forwarding twelve years, to the time when the baby Jesus had grown into a twelve-year-old boy. Reading this account will help us answer the question, “Where do we go from here?” now that the presents are opened, the trees are beginning to come down, radio stations have returned to regular programming, and people are starting to say “Happy New Year” instead of “Merry Christmas.” (It’s always such a sudden and unsettling change!)
So where do we go from here—after all the hype, spending, gifts, food, and festivities? We do what Jesus did: we grow up spiritually and return to the Father.
You know this story well, don’t you? Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover, as was their custom. When the festival was over, they started home, assuming that the now twelve-year-old Jesus—independent as any boy that age—was somewhere in the traveling party returning to Galilee. After a day’s journey, they realized He was missing and hurried back to search for Him. After three—I’ll add “frantic”—days of looking, they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and answers.
I could take this story in many directions, but to answer my initial question—“Where do we go from here?”—we return to the Lord. We find God to be our strength and our pillar, our stronghold and our rock. When seasons come and go, we stand firmly rooted in Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Practically speaking, this might mean finding yourself in church, surrounded by a community of believers—people with whom you can grow and mature in your faith.
When everything else fades—the glitz and lights of Christmas, the decorations coming down—the person of Jesus remains, just as He remained in His Father’s house. If Jesus needed to be there, how much more do we?
As we pack away the decorations and turn toward the new year, let’s hold firmly to Christ, trusting His loving and eternal care.
“O Lord God, You loved the world so much that You sent Your Son to save us. When we were dead in our sins, far from You, and sinking in selfishness, You came to serve. From a baby to Savior of the world, we thank You. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us with Your love and peace. Help us walk in step with You, that we might be holy as You are holy. For You are our rock and our foundation, our strength and our shield. You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.