*This is Week 5 of a 5-part Advent Devotional Series. View our Advent page here.
Week 4
Maker of Mary, Mary’s Son - Luke 2:39-52
“And he said to them, ‘Why were you looking for me? Did you not Hknow that I must be in my Father’s house?’”
Home Alone is for many of us a favorite Christmas movie. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, is understandably beloved but it is not the OG. The end of Luke chapter 2 is “Passover 12: Lost in Jerusalem” for Jesus and his family.
In Luke 2:41 Jesus and his family celebrated the Feast of the Passover. Every Year. Was it routine? Was it lacking pizazz? Well this year would be one passover to never forget... or one to treasure in your heart. Jesus’s parents took him on the long journey (multiple days) from Nazareth to Jerusalem to observe the great feast of God’s gracious passing over the Israelites in Egypt. God had been gracious in the past. He promised to be gracious in the present and future as well. Jesus took the liberty of this great family trip to stay behind and provide an opportunity for several sleepless nights and days of anxious searching for him
by his parents. Have you ever lost a favorite toy or shirt? How about jewelry? Ever left your child behind (or teddy bear)? Heart- pounding anxiety takes over upon the gut wrenching instant of knowing, “He is not here. I think we left him behind.” In the biggest city in the country.
Here is the big idea about Joseph and Mary searching for Jesus when they realized he was way back in the big city: He was never lost. At 12 years old, he plainly tells them when they find him (after 3 days plus a day of travel), “you should have known right where to find me.” In this story in the Bible, Jesus was never lost; his parents were.
That is how it is with the gospel. God is not lost and wandering around. He seeks but he is not confused. He pursues but he is himself easily found. He is in his word. If you want to find Jesus, look no further than your Bible. He is on every page. Do you believe he has found you?
-Tom Buiter
Sing We The Song of Emmanuel
Sing we the song of Emmanuel, This the Christ who was long foretold
Lo in the shadows of Bethlehem, Promise of dawn now our eyes behold
God Most High in a manger laid, Lift your voices and now proclaim
Great and glorious Love has come to us, Join now with the hosts of heaven
Come we to welcome Emmanuel, King who came with no crown or throne
Helpless He lay the Invincible, Maker of Mary now Mary’s son
O what wisdom to save us all, Shepherds sages before Him fall
Grace and majesty what humility, Come on bended knee adore Him
Go spread the news of Emmanuel, Joy and peace for the weary heart
Lift up your heads for your King has come, Sing for the Light overwhelms the dark
Glory shining for all to see, Hope alive let the gospel ring
God has made a way He will have the praise, Tell the world His name is Jesus
Gloria, Gloria!
Gloria, Gloria!
Written by Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, and Stuart Townend
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