Children's Liturgy of the Word 12.26.21

Each year Jesus's parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover feast.  When he was 12, they brought him too.  As they journeyed home, they thought he was with them.  However, after traveling for about a day, they realized he was not with their friends or acquaintances so they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.   After 3 days of looking, they found him in the temple talking to the teachers and asking questions.  Everyone who was listening to him was amazed at how much Jesus knew.  His parents were so glad to find him, but said, "Why did you stay behind and make us so scared?"  Jesus said, "Why were you looking for me?  Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?"  Mary and Joseph did not know what that meant but Jesus obeyed them and went back to Nazareth with them where Jesus grew older and closer to God.

This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus was a kid just like you!  He loved his parents just like you love your parents.  However, he knew that God had big plans for him and so he spent time getting to know God better by spending time with the teachers in the temple.  We can get to know God better too!  We don't want to worry our parents by staying behind at the church, but we can stay with them and pray, help our parents and others, and read the Bible.

Questions:
1) Did Jesus think he was lost when Mary and Jospeh left him in Jerusalem? (No)
2) What did Jesus do when he was by himself in Jerusalem? (talk to the teachers at the temple and ask questions)
3) Why did Jesus stay in Jerusalem?  (to get to know God better)
4) How can you get to know God better this week?


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            By Catholic Mom