The Day Baby Jesus Disappeared (And Good News of Great Joy!)
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Today, over at Proverbs 31 Ministries, I’m talking about that longing for home at Christmas time. If you haven’t read my devotion yet, you can find it here at Encouragement for Today. It’s a story that begins with a change in zip codes and ends with a change of heart.
Now, if you’re ready for another helping of inspiration, keep reading…
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I’ll never forget the year that baby Jesus disappeared.
One day he was sleeping peacefully in that cute plastic stable, and the next day he was gone.
Mary and Joseph were still lingering in Bethlehem and the shepherds were still hanging out with the sheep.
But the baby in the manger was nowhere to be found.
We hunted all over the house for that pudgy plastic babe.
And we wondered how the synthetic star of our Fisher Price nativity set could have gone AWOL before we’d even lit our first Advent candle.
We looked in the kitchen and in the toy box, under the Christmas tree and under the couch cushions.
We checked in dresser drawers and in bookshelves, in laundry baskets and in the bathtub. (After all, my seven-year-old had reasoned, Jesus might be feeling pretty grimy after spending the night on a bed of hay.)
Finally we gave up the search, and I assured my devastated children that baby Jesus would show up sooner or later.
I kept my eyes peeled for that missing babe all through the month of December.
But by the time Christmas break rolled around and my school-agers came tumbling off the big yellow bus with their bulging backpacks and happy whoops, I officially declared our missing Savior an unsolved mystery.
That afternoon, with the creative help of my second-grade daughter, I concocted a new baby Jesus using a small wooden clothespin and a swaddle of Kleenex. We lay our homemade hero in the empty manger and reminded ourselves that we didn’t need a perfect nativity scene in order to have a fabulous Christmas.
The kids headed downstairs to play, and I began unpacking the backpacks that had been dropped at the door.
I unloaded damp snow pants, day-old lunch boxes and crumpled homework pages. And then, as I reached into the very bottom of my kindergartener’s school bag, I felt something smooth and small.
Something pudgy and plastic.
I wrapped my fingers around the curious conundrum and pulled it from the bottom of my daughter’s pink backpack.
That’s when I realized what I was holding.
I stared incredulously at the pudgy plastic Jesus I’d just excavated, and I hollered down the stairs for Hannah.
“Look what I found!” I exclaimed as my girl came bounding up the stairs, her blonde pigtails bobbing.
She reached for the plastic infant, her eyes alight with excitement. “I can’t believe you found him, Mommy. Where was he? Where was he?”
Hannah cuddled the baby in the palm of her hand and swayed as if she were rocking him to sleep.
“I found him at the bottom of your backpack,” I replied with a raise of my eyebrows.
Hannah stopped swaying and turned her blue eyes toward mine as an apologetic shadow crossed her face.
“Oops…” she said, staring at her hands.
“We’ve been looking for him for so long,” I reminded my kindergartener. “Did you know he was in your bag?”
Hannah fidgeted from one foot to another. “Um. I guess I just forgot that I put him in there…”
My five-year-old studied my countenance to see if she was in trouble; then continued, “Mommy, remember that day a few weeks ago when I didn’t want to go to school? ”
I nodded, quickly recalling the tears that had baptized our breakfast table that fitful morning.
“Well, when I was crying and telling you how I wanted to stay home, you reminded me that Jesus would be with me in kindergarten all day long. So, when I walked past our nativity scene and saw that little Baby Jesus sitting in his manger, I thought I’d just take him to school for one day. You know, to remind me that the real Jesus is with me, too. Even though I can’t see him….”
Hannah shrugged her shoulders and let her voice trail off.
And I laughed out loud at the beautiful thought of my little girl smuggling that pudgy plastic Jesus into kindergarten so she could remember that her Savior was with her. For real.
That’s a reminder we all need now and then.
No matter where we go, Jesus is with us.
No matter how we feel, Jesus is for us.
The One who came wrapped in wrinkles on that first Christmas night still wraps us in his love wherever we are.
And His love can’t be lost or undone.
“For I have every confidence that nothing—not death, life, heavenly messengers, dark spirits, the present, the future, spiritual powers, height, depth, nor any created thing—
can come between us and the love of God revealed in the Anointed, Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:28
That’s what Christmas is all about, dear friends.
Perfect Love storming our imperfect lives.
The grip of grace taking hold of our quaking hearts.
Heaven’s hope leading us home.
And whether or not we have a smiling baby Jesus tucked beneath our Christmas tree this year, we all have reason to smile.
Because Christmastime brings good news of great joy for all people.
Jesus is with us.
Jesus is with us.
For real.
Merry Christmas, dear friends.
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Today, I’m giving away one of my favorite children’s books, My Heart, Christ’s Home.
This beautiful story captures by Robert Boyd Munger reminds us that Jesus longs to make His home in us.
And change the world through us.
If you’d like to enter for a chance to win, leave a comment and tell me what you love most about Jesus these days.
Let’s just call it an early birthday party for our Christmas King!
What I like best about Jesus is that his love is never ending, never changing and he is impartial. When the world is constantly watching you to point out the next time you mess up and point their fingers at you, He is there to shelter you with His love, forgiveness, grace under the shadow of his wings. He holds me close when I’m lost, unloved and rejected. Also, his timing is perfect no matter what the situation. Thank you Jesus for being everything I need at the right time.
Sometimes we can learn so much from the innocence of a child. It is good every now and then to see the world throuth the eyes of a child. No wonder Jesus said suffer not the little children to come unto me. Thanks for the encouragement.
Thank you for this encouraging message! As I sat and read this through tearful eyes, I am gratefully reminded that He is always with us! And I got a chuckle, because this is something my kids would have done (ages 6 and 3). I love that no matter where we are, what we’re going through, how difficult life seems, He is always with us and always loving us. Thank you again!
What I love about Jesus these days is the fact that God gave him to us on a day like today. And he was the best gift we could ever get. And how people that don’t know him yet can still recieve this precious gift. It’s wonderful to celebrate the birth of our true King. Thank you for your encouragement thru probervs 31. God bless you Alicia.
Great story! I have a 5 & 2 year old- I love them learning about Jesus and how he can reach the littlest of hearts as well as big ones. When I remind them to pray and believe, catching myself that I need to remember too. He’s always there for us and with Him we are ok!
I love this story. We had the same problem this year with our “new” (fancy) nativity set, so I decided to take all the characters off of our “old” nativity scene and my girls have had a blast playing with them every day since. We act out our Advent devotions now with the “old” characters & it’s become much more real & meaningful to them. I’m not sure if we’ll find the “new” fancy Jesus from the nice nativity kit we bought, but we all love the “old” Jesus & the story of how he came to be!
Thanks for the encouraging words that I need to hide in my heart. If God is for us who can be against us
What I love the most about Jesus these days is the peace that he gives to me when I rest completely in him no matter what circumstances I am facing. It took me many years before I could finally come to that place. So it is a real comfort and joy to have.
Lovely story…..right now I am not sure where our baby Jesus is, either!! I think He is mixed in with another “adult” Nativity set!!! That’s what happens when you have a 4YO granddaughter!
I love Jesus these days because there is scary stuff on the news, and yet HE is in control, although I have to constantly remind myself of it. No matter what happens, He is there with us!
Have a blessed Christmas!
I love that Jesus doesn’t get tired of me when I make the same mistakes over and over. I find that frustrating in my parenting – when I’ve taught the lesson, but my girls don’t “get it.” So I love that he has grace for me when I do the same thing!!
Your post on Proverbs 31 today really hit “home” with me today. I feel like it was a Heaven-sent message just for me. My five children and I have been living in my parents’ home for the last seven years. My Dad had a heart attack seven years ago right before Christmas, so we moved in with him to help take care of him. My Mom died twelve years ago of lung cancer. My Dad had to go into a nursing facility in January of this year, and he passed away suddenly on September 18 of an abdominal aneurysm. Now, the state is taking the home that I have known for almost 50 years. My three youngest children and I moved into a tiny apartment two weeks ago. In this case, I am the one who is having a hard time adjusting to a new “home”. (You know teenagers. . .they’re never home anyway!) However, after reading today’s devotion, I have a new perspective and am thankful for God’s goodness in helping us find a warm place to live so quickly. My two grandchildren (one and three-years-old) love the place! It is something new to explore. All through my life, Jesus has given me signs that He is with me through thick or thin. It’s been a really tough year, but even when I’m not at my best, I know Jesus is taking care of me. That’s what I love best about Jesus. He is my Rock.
I love this time of year! I love the reminders that Jesus was born as a baby and lived a life on earth for US before dying for US .. He is a constant in our lives and my love for him as a Father and as a Savior grows more every day … So thankful and full of a loving heart!
Your post made me remember that no matter what happens in my daily life…He is with me & will get me thru all things for His glory & my good!! Thanks!
I cried as I read the p31 devo as this is exactly where we are. In a new place, in a tight financial spot waiting for our house to sell and my 6 year old son has this heartbreak at being away from extended family. I love that JESUS comfortsourbroken hearts.
What I love about Jesus most is the way he loves me….It is still hard on some days to comprehend how much he loves me and is always there for me….but what a wonderful blessing!!
Thank you SOOOo much for this blessing to me today! I smiled & cried being this is exactly what my youngest son would’ve done! He is celebrating Christmas in Heaven this year but his beautiful 4 year old daughter I can see doing the exact same thing! Yes, He is with us always, P.T.L.! Oh, what a comfort that is to me since my Youngest son went “Home”. Bless you! Merry Christmas!
Love the “missing baby Jesus” illustration! A Christmas version of the hidden Passover Affikomen. Thanks for the reminder this morning of what really constitutes home. It was a good perspective to start the day.
Thank you for this beautiful reminder through the eyes of children. Jesus is with us every day, wherever we go, through good times and storms. He loves us and protects us from the storms of life. Merry Christmas!
I love seeing Jesus through the eyes of my children, how they make Him so real, and always remind me to keep my eyes on Him. I love the faith that my kids continue to teach me.
What I love about Jesus is that He is the ultimate Gift. I don’t have to buy Him, work to earn Him, wrap Him, tag Him, or put a bow on Him. He is also the perfect regift I can share with others. I don’t have to worry if He is the right present for someone because He is the best Gift for all of us. He does not wear out, get lost, or get broken (He did that on the Cross already.) Plus, I don’t have to purchase an extra warranty because His warranty is perfect and good for eternity!
I love most how Jesus is faithful to His Heavenly Father throughout his earthly life, and that He prayed for us, ever so long ago! His love and encouragement are amazing! Thank you for your words about “Home”, and also back to the “missing” Jesus! May God’s rich blessings and grace be with you and your family forever!
Such a beautiful story and lesson from your sweet soul. Jesus keeps reminding me how he entered this messy world in a messy way to join us, to live with us, to be real for us. I’m so glad that I have that reminder that he lived here so that I can too.
Thank you for this timely devotion. We are about to move into a new house in the city. My 10 year old daughter is struggling with the same thoughts as your child cried over. And, like you, my heart aches and my prayers cry out. What I love about Jesus is His faithfulness. Regardless of how I may attempt to comfort or make it all better, I am reminded He is working on both our hearts. He is faithful.
I am thankful for His sovereignty and faithfulness!
I have been feeling somewhat of a Scrooge this Christmas, with all of the usual Christmas activities becoming a burden instead of a joy. The problem is, I have’nt prepared my heart. Your devotional reminded to decorate my heart first, then my Christmas joy will follow.
We’ve celebrated the Christmas story so many times with our kids, I wanted to do something a little different this year. The Bible app on our phones allows us to do Advent/Christmas devotind together and we are doing a different interactive Advent calendar this year. I wanted my children to really engross themselves in Jesus and his birth/death this year. They have! And so have I! Thankful that God can use kids devotions and Advent calendars to help a 35 year old grow spiritually.
Thank you for your devotions. I have moved a lot in my life and can relate so well to your words of encouragement today. For me, what I love most about Jesus? He shows up. He is quietly waiting. He doesn’t bang down the door. He patiently waits for me, as I hurry through life – or my busy-ness, there He is. And then I am reminded to slow down and inhale Him in. So thankful.
My heart aches with how much Jesus loves us. Even when we are far away and feel far beyond deserving of His love, he is right there waiting to pour it out over us. His love washes and pushes past the self condemnation, the cynical anger, through the facade of ‘I’ll never be good enough so why try’ mindset, into the deepest most insecure and broken parts. Thank you Jesus for loving us in our unloveable places!
Love this story & the message in it! I love teaching my children about the true meaning of Christmas, how Jesus put flesh on, lived a perfect life & then was the only fitting sacrifice for our sins. How Jesus is the best gift we can ever receive & He is the reason we celebrate Christmas & give gifts.
That He is never changing and always there….something about JESUS!! 🙂
I love that Jesus is always ready to receive me back when I approach him in prayer, even if my prayer life had gone scarce or turned shallow. And now I love the key verse from today, that tells us God and Jesus make their home with us! What comfort!!
Thank you for your words of encouragement. I am in a difficult place in my marriage right now. I have felt like giving up but know that divorce is not an option. Reading your words has reminded me again that no matter what I am going through, Jesus is always just a whisper away and He gives me hope. He is my source of love and all that my heart longs for. My husband cannot meet all the desires of my heart but Jesus can. I need to be looking to Him every day for strength and wisdom and peace and joy and freedom and love in abundance. Thank you again for your words of encouragement!
I just love knowing that even in the midst of buying presents and holiday get-to-togethers, that Jesus is right there with us! After all, we are celebrating His birthday, right? However, just like the baby Jesus from the manger scene, He seems to get lost in it all year after year. I’m thankful for the gentle reminders that Christmas is all about Him and we need to stop and thank Him, worship Him, and give Him the praise He deserves. My children at church would love this book. It would be added to our small church library for the children to check out so that many could enjoy it. God bless you and Merry CHRISTmas!
This is so simple, yet profound. This whole period of advent I have been reflecying on what it means that Immanuel is “God with us”. One author said “with” means to “to walk alongside”. I don’t know about you but I need him to do that everyday and I am teaching my children to have that same desire. Thanks for sharing!
The Lord asked us to move across the country this summer. This Christmas we are settling into our home in our new state. I am so thankful for the Spirit of The Lord. This transition would be much more difficult without Him!
I’m so thankful that Jesus makes His home with us, that He gave up everything to be among us those many years ago. Merry Christmas!
I really enjoyed reading the Proverbs 31 devotional, and the story about the missing baby Jesus is precious and thought provoking at the same time. I am just so blessed to have Jesus as my ultimate peace when everything going on around me may be chaotic. I love him so.
Your post today reminds me that no matter what my circumstances are, Jesus is with me. No matter what I lack, He fills all the gaps. Whatever is broken, he mends. Jesus is bigger than any of my problems.
After reading your blog, I realized I was doing it backwards trying to decorate my “house” to celebrate Christmas and create that Christmassy” feel yu try to get during this season; while the real decorating needs to be in my heart and mind where The real reason for this season can take up full residence and be a place he can LIVE throughout everyday at home in me. Not just a feeling but a faith walk with him, at home and “living” in me.
The Stability of Jesus is what keeps me calm through the chaos every single day. Thanks for your encouragement on Proverbs, really needed that.
During this season, I enjoy thinking about the miraculous way that Jesus came to the earth!even though at this time we are giving gifts I always think about God’s ultimate gift to us which was giving his son giving us a part of him that we might be reconciled back to him.