To feel lost implies, I think, you do not know where you are. And perhaps that’s been true for you. Maybe you felt unseen, invisible to others. That’s more likely I think at times. Some people will always be loud enough or boisterous enough that others wish they would get lost! I think we probably know one or two like that.

And maybe at times, that’s been me.

But this idea that we are unseen or invisible comes from feeling unknown or uncared for. It comes from a loss of sense of identity or appreciation. And we have all felt unappreciated from time to time. It’s an easy feeling for some to deal with – others? Not so much.

I find it fascinating that in the account of Jesus’ birth Mary and Joseph leave where they have been living to go to Bethlehem, and clearly there’s no family, no aunt and uncle, no grandparents awaiting their arrival. The spare room is not prepared and clean towels are not hung in the bathroom. No, in the lives of this very young couple they seem quite alone.

Imagine if you will for a moment landing in this town, and after asking about, finding yourself sheltered with the animals in the cattle shed, as the hymnist points it. Now who would be able to find them there? Who would even know they were there? They would certainly seem, from their perspective to be lost, or invisible.

I do not expect that the new mother Mary, or her young husband Joseph were expecting anyone. They had both been visited by an angel and so they knew this child was no ordinary child. But visitors? Not in this place. The celebration of a new born would have to await their return to family.

And yet God directs the shepherds, we’re not told how many, and then the wisemen who again were not told how many, bringing their gifts, to the very place where Joseph and Mary are staying with their newborn son Jesus.

Here’s the thing…

No matter where you are. No matter how lost you feel. No matter how tough the circumstances. No matter how alone you are. No matter what you perceive to be the barriers around you. God knows where you are, and can direct others to you.

The angels, the shepherds, and the magi all left celebrating the remarkable gift of God, Jesus, Emmanuel,

God with us.

God with you.