January 1, 2021 Holy Family Luke 2: 43, 48-52
After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.And Jesus advanced [in] wisdom and age and favor before God and man.
(Every family is holy in the sight of the Lord—no matter its composition or its complications)
Though messy at times and chaotic
With large doses of angst
Amid tears and frustration
Divisions and broken hearts
Love breaks in!
Despite words harsh and hurtful
The sound of slamming doors
Trust betrayed and groundings
Lies and broken promises
Love breaks in!
Families are the backbone
The place where safety should dwell
Words of love and encouragement
Worry and fear dispel
A mighty force is family
Strong in trial and pain
Knit together with cords of love And blessed to withstand the strain.