I confess that I was taken aback this past week, when an email was sent to all staff, informing us that the baby Jesus had gone missing. It turns out that the doll that had been used as Jesus in the “Glorious Christmastime” musical had been misplaced, and an effort was underway to return it to its rightful owner.
The irony was too much not to notice. How often is it the case that people rush about their activities at this time of the year, totally oblivious to the baby Jesus, who deserves to be the center of it all? His birth confirms God’s abiding Presence and makes it possible for us to live each day with hope, peace, joy, and love.
Our dilemma here reminds me of a much more serious dilemma that a couple found themselves in some years ago while passing through my hometown in West Alabama. They had stopped at an interstate rest stop with their small child late in the night, headed west to their home in Texas. Mother was sleeping in the back with their child, so dad decided to stop quickly without waking either mother or child. When he got out, the child then awakened and thought it would be a good time to go the bathroom herself. You can figure out the rest of the story. Dad got back in the car, assuming that mother and child were still asleep, until 100 miles or so later, mother awakened and realized that the child wasn’t with them. Fortunately, an old high school classmate was the police chief at the time and when he got the call from other travelers, he knew what had happened and figured the parents would be back as soon as possible, which they did. Today, they might be charged with parental neglect, but back then it was enough to facilitate a glad reunion.
As Christmas nears, this may be a good time to reflect on how in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season we have been careful to stay connected to the baby Jesus. After all, he is the reason for the season. To neglect him would be a serious offense. To embrace him would be a source of great joy.
I don’t know if we found the baby Jesus that went missing at the church, but if we didn’t, he can be replaced. The real one can’t. And the more we ponder how true that statement really is, the more careful we’ll be to hold on to him every step of life’s way.
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