CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE , 39

sunshine, and with one accord they break forth into songs of Hallelujah to the God who
has brought them safely on their way, guarding them from harm. How beautiful this
first sight of His Father’s House must have seemed to the Holy Child. With.what joy
He must have climbed the steps which led from one. court to another, until He could see
the great brazen altar, on which the paschal lambs were offered, in front of the chief
entrance to the Temple. No wonder he loves to linger there and listen to the service
which is going on, with the chanting of the choir of the Levites, and the beautiful music
of the white-robed band of players, and forgets all about His mother and foster-father. It
is some time before they miss Him. When first they find He is not beside them, they

 

‘suppose He must be with some of their relations or friends, with whom they had journeyed
to Jerusalem, and think they are sure to find Him in the evening when they all go back to
their tents... But no, He is not there. The sun sets and it begins to get dark and He is
nowhere to be found. What a sad night they must have spent, unable to sleep in their
great anxiety, longing for the morning to come. - As soon as it is daylight they set out
again seeking Him.’ They ask the people they meet, but no one has seen the boy they have
lost. Their hearts grow heavier and heavier. How shall they ever find Him? What
are they todo? Ah, there is one thing, at least, they can do. They will go back to the
Temple, and tell God their trouble, and pray to Him, to help them. And lo, as they enter
they find Him. How strange they should never have thought of looking for Him there.