Where’s the Baby? – January 8, 2024

Read: Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, when Herod was king, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:1-2 (EHV)

Where’s the Baby?

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Little Ellie rolled along in her stroller. Different family members took turns pushing her stroller as they walked down the street. It was a beautiful day. Shops had their doors open. People were out and about, but Ellie was tired of sitting in her stroller. She wanted to have fun with the big kids. She held their hand as they went from one shop after another.

In one shop, Ellie found a fuzzy stuffed horse that was just her size and very huggable. The family was ready to visit another store, but Ellie wanted that horse. As they left the store pushing her stroller, no one noticed Ellie slip back into the shop to hug that horse. About a block later, the grown-ups suddenly realized, “Where’s the baby?!?” With heart racing, Dad retraced their steps back to the shop. With a huge sigh of relief, he found Ellie by the toys still hugging that horse.

When Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem, they were looking for a baby, but he wasn’t lost. They were looking for a baby whose birth was promised long ago. How did those Wise Men find out about this special baby? A couple years before, they saw a unique star in the heavens. They discovered ancient promises recorded in the Bible that looked forward to the time when a King would come who would save his people—and nations—from sin and death. The Wise Men realized that the special star in the sky was announcing the arrival of this Savior, so they went looking for the baby—not in panic or fear, but in faith that God would keep his promise.

So where can you find that baby named Jesus? With Christmas now over and decorations put away, does Jesus get packed away too? Do we stop thinking about the Christ Child because the new year just started and it’s time to move on? Don’t lose sight of that baby who came into our world to be our King and save us from sin and death! Find that baby when you hear God’s Word in this devotion or when you go to church. See that he’s really been there in his Word all this time for us to find in love, mercy, and grace. With joy, like the Wise Men, we find him and worship our Savior-King!

Closing Prayer:

O Jesus Christ, you came as a little child to save us. Help us to find you, not in a manger, but in your Word today and every day. In your name, Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Who was the baby that the Wise Men hoped to find?
• What was so special about him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Where do we find Jesus today?
• Why is it easy to “lose” the baby Jesus after Christmas?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain this statement: Only the wise can find Jesus.
• When the Wise Men found Jesus, they presented him with rich gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. As we find Jesus in his Word, list two ways that we can respond to finding him.