Message

Da Baby's Missing
by Rev. Lorraine D. Coconato

Parenting is a challenging task that requires alertness,wisdom, perseverance and help, this help can only come from God! Raising our children in a rural suburb of Ohio, required us
to bundle our children in layers of fabrics (swaddling clothes?) that often covered everything but their cherub-like faces during the winter months. Everytime we'd leave our homes, even for a short errand, we’d wrap our babies up in a kind of human packaging. Once packaged, we’d pray that they would be agreeable to allowing us to achieve some sense of accomplishment for a few hours.

Christmas at the Kenwood Ohio mall was a buzz with scurrying mothers determined to gather the bargain-priced clothes, offered at an appreciable discount. In the absorption of bargain shopping, my friend, Karen, realized that her little bundle, Andrea, was nowhere to be found! Our friend’s child added to the trauma by shouting, “Da baby’s missing!” Certainly, this was a nightmarish moment; and so began the search for “da missing baby!”

We are reminded of a moment in history when the Child, Jesus, was missing. Annually, His parents would journey to Jerusalem to worship the Lord and enjoy the Jewish feasts of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. Since many relatives and friends journeyed together, it was not unlikely for parents to believe that there children were in the trusted hands of beloved family or friends. With this in mind, Mary and Joseph headed back toward home, believing that Jesus was traveling with their group. But, after inquiring of His whereabouts, they were stunned to learn that no one had seen Him in the caravan. Mary and Joseph, like any other parents, became frantic. “So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.” (Luke 2: 45).

Fortunately, after only one hour of searching the store, Karen found Andrea sleeping peacefully on the floor of a fitting room. Karen was hyperventilating from the stress of the moment! But, Mary and Joseph did not find Jesus after one hour or even after one day! Could they have begun to fear, doubt, and ask questions such as,“Where is our Child? Could He have lost His way? Could someone have trapped, deceived or kidnapped Him? Could He Have lost His life? During the searching, could hopelessness have set in? Afterall, He was there only son and it was known to them that God had a very special plan for Him! God’s Son was missing! How could they ever explain this to anyone? Three long days later, they found Him, debating the Scriptures in the temple with fascinated listeners. Though the Child was only 12 years old, He exhibited the wisdom of a sage!

Another little girl named Rachel, age four, currently lives in Florida. Her parents strictly forbade her grandparents from mentioning the name of Jesus around their children. Grandpa Rich and grandma Ann lived a Christ-like life before their grandkids, yet they did not mention His name, in agreement with the wishes of their daughter and son-in-law.

Last Christmas, Rachel and her sister Lauren were enjoying a day visiting their grandparents, when Rachel took notice of their nativity set. Rachel asked grandma, “Who is this Baby grandma?” “Oh, Rachel, that’s a very special baby!” “Why, grandma?” “Honey, He’s just real special!” “What’s His name, grandma?” At that moment, Ann realized that she could not deny her granddaughter an answer, and more importantly, she could not deny her Lord! So she said, “That’s the baby Jesus.” Rachel was intrigued and inquired further…Ann joyfully shared the gospel message with her tiny grandchild, who was visibly delighted!. Upon the return of their mom, Rachel’s sister, Lauren said,“Grandma, thebaby’s missing!” The girls’ mom was suspicious so she searched their backpacks to make sure that they had not taken the Baby Jesus! Lauren’s backpack proved her innocence, but Rachel had wrapped the Baby Jesus in her babydoll’s blanket and hid Him deep within the pack. When her mommy discovered the missing baby she scowled, “Rachel, you cannot have the Baby Jesus!” In her sage-like wisdom, Rachel responded, “Mommy, I love this Baby and no one is ever going to take Him away from me!”

Brother and sisters, is the Baby missing? Is He the cherished Centerpiece in our Christmas celebration? Is He foremost upon our minds throughout our days? In what ways have we denied the Lord? Do we daily wrap Him up in the coverlets of our heart and take Him everywhere?

Blessed Lord, search our hearts…Have we allowed the worries and cares of the world and the enemy of our souls to cause the manger of our hearts to be vacant? Father , how have we compromised our faith to please others and negated the One whom we have confessed? While on our journey, did we neglect to look for the evidence of the Christ in each circumstance and situation? Have we ignored the promptings of Your Spirit and violated the principles of Your Temple? Lord, cause us to return to Jerusalem to seek after You! We invite You, Jesus, this Christmas and hereafter, to take residence in our hearts and to be our guiding Star, leading us daily that we may never lose sight of Your love,wrapped in swaddling clothes for all to behold, in Jesus Name, Amen!

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