Luke 2. Even if you don’t know much about the Bible, you’re probably familiar with Luke 2 since it is the most frequently read as a Christmas narrative. This chapter covers the birth of Jesus, his dedication at the temple, and his younger years.

I am struck by the place of Mary and Joseph in the narrative. It’s like we are watching a play develop from the outside. They are regular people in the middle of an unfolding drama that is way beyond them. They are trying to grasp what is happening. They are being excellent Jewish parents, doing everything according to the law of Moses as required: circumcision (2:21), dedication and sacrifice at the temple (2:22-24), fulfilling all the customs (2:39), and returning each year to Jerusalem for Passover (2:41). Yet this section at the end sums up the parenting challenge, “And when his parents saw him [teaching in the temple], they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” (2:48)

I feel compassion for Mary. Three days of hunting for your lost kid in Jerusalem would have certainly caused some anguish! Plus, two extra days of walking! I lost a kid in a department store for 30 minutes once and I about had a heart attack. Imagine losing a kid at Disney World?! I would have been a terrible Mary. I get frustrated when I don’t understand what is going on and things feel out of my control. I would have wrestled with the plan a lot, asking God “What the heck?! I really am going to give birth right now, right here?! And who are these smelly shepherds that want in on my moment?”

Mary seems to roll with things a bit more. Even though there were undoubtedly normal moments for Mary, when she was simply parenting a toddler and trying to keep him from hurting himself… there were also many moments when unusual things were said about her special child. She wondered what everyone was telling them (2:18), she marveled at what was said (2:33), she was astonished (2:48), distressed (2:28), and she did not understand what Jesus said (2:50). Twice we are told that “she treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (2:19,51). Mary kept the prophetic words spoken over Jesus in her heart – trying to figure out what was going on and not to panic. (The angel said do not fear!)

I have plenty of moments where I do not understand what is going on in my life either. Things do not always make sense. What is God doing? When will He explain it to me? (ha ha, that’s some wishful thinking!) I want to trust God like Mary did, and keep notes of what is happening, so that one day maybe I will see beyond my little role in the storyline. The grand narrative of the kingdom of God is unfolding around us. We have a role to play, and normally we do not see all the details and how things work together. God revealed to Simeon and Anna what His plan was, I trust He will continue to reveal to us what He is doing as He brings salvation to all people.

How do you handle it when things happen in life that seem beyond comprehension? Have you ever tried journaling before, keeping track of what you’re thinking and what God is doing? What did you learn? What stood out to you from Luke 2?