Home   Singing a New Song  Year C Lectionary   Christmas

For the list of Gospel passages used in Years A,B and C click here

Christmas     Christmas 1     Luke 2:41-52

When Jesus was 12 (YC No 164)

When we think of Jesus’ childhood

As a youth or growing boy,

There is nothing in the story

Telling us what brought him joy;

Was he playful, energetic?

Was he calm when in distress?

Was he thoughtful of his family?

Did he cause his parents stress?

Was he clever? Self-indulgent?

When just twelve he caused dismay;

He was not with friends, relations

When they went their homeward way;

Three whole days they searched and worried;

Would they find him safe and sound?

In the temple, there they saw him;

So relieved, he had been found.

Mary said, “Why did you do this;

Causing us to worry so?”

Jesus said, “I seek my Father

In His house. You both should know.”

Though they did not understand him

Patiently they played their part;

As a mother, Mary treasured

All these things within her heart.

Jesus, just like other children

Needed parents in his life

Teaching, guiding and sustaining

In both happiness and strife.

We now have this solemn duty

To give counsel, show the way;

Bringing love and affirmation

To young people of today.

View or print the musical score

Print the lyrics

Download a Power Point of the lyrics