At the end of this week, we will celebrate the birth of Jesus. Matthew and Luke tell us in great detail about Jesus’ birth but interestingly they tell us virtually nothing about what happened next, what happened to Jesus as he grew up.

Luke has one story, and Jesus’ parents don’t come out of it very well. Luke tells us in Lk 2:41-52 about how as a 12-year-old Jesus was taken to Jerusalem for the Passover. Then they did the unthinkable, like the parents in Home Alone, they leave their child behind. They lose Jesus.

How can they possibly do that? How did they lose Jesus?

I am trying not to be too hard on Joseph and Mary because the truth is that in this week running up to Christmas I have often lost Jesus.

I have lost Jesus in the tinsel and decorations.

I have lost Jesus in the busyness.

I have lost Jesus in parties and celebrations.

I have even lost Jesus in doing things for Jesus.

Don’t lose Jesus this week, take time to stay close to him.