They (we) lost the Christchild

When Jesus was 12 His parents took Him to Jerusalem for the Passover which was required by Mosaic Law. While busy in their daily tasks preparing for the return trip home, they lost track of their child. After a frantic search they found Him - And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. Luke 2:46 His mother Mary was apparently upset - And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Luke 2:47-49 There is symbolism for us today in their temporary loss of christ, as a wise author once put it - "By one days neglect they lost the Saviour: but it cost them three days of anxious search to find Him. So with us; by idle talk, evil speaking, or neglect of prayer, we may in one day lose the Saviour's presence, and it may take many days of sorrowful search to find Him and regain the peace that we have lost." The Desire of Ages p.83