Reflectionary XII

"Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?"

What now?

The urgency with which we transition from Christmas to Post-Christmas speaks volumes.

Before Christmas, we were probably in a daily routine that did not involve us being reminded of the King of Kings, almost moment by moment. The Christmas Season gives us leave to think about Jesus, or, I mean . . . "The Baby Jesus," and to even say that name, openly, publicly, to others.

I remember being around a friend of mine, years ago, and her toddler daughter. This friend fancied herself a Christian, but engaged in a lifestyle that did not elevate self-control and Christ-likeness. She was showing a creche to her daughter, and said: "And there's a donkey, and a lamb, and a shepherd, and three wise men. And there's Mary, and Joseph . . . and THERE's . . . ummm . . . The Baby!"

Interesting - - - she couldn't even mouth the word "Jesus", to her four-year old child!

Now, in the case of this woman, like so many of us, the word "Jesus" would fly out of her mouth quite readily, when she's angry, frustrated, or drunk.

But even if we get around to some semblance of holiness, during the month December, it can be attributed to Society's general "feel-good" attitude in the air that time of year. 

But what now . . when all those reminders are gone?

Let's get back to normal, so that I can figure out ways to ignore Jesus, the adult Jesus, and what his life meant.

These three wise men . . . from decidedly non-Christian, non-Jewish roots, came near the star over Bethlehem, and said "Where is the child . . . ?"

So perhaps that is our best response. Start the year off be asking: "Where is Jesus?" Whether you believe in Him or not, if you're at all interested in any kind of response to the Christmas season, and how it should impact the year 2014 for you, why not start there?

Where is the child?