Help! Baby Jesus is Missing!

I'm delighted to once again be participating in Susanna Hill's 3rd Annual Holiday Contest! 

Here are the rules:

The Contest:  Write a children's story about a Holiday Mishap, mix-up, miscommunication, mistake, or potential disaster (a la Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer :)).  Your story may be poetry or prose, silly or serious or sweet, religious or not, based on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or whatever you celebrate, but is not to exceed 350 words (aren't I being generous?! :)  It can be as short as you like, but no more than 350!)  Did the dog knock over the Christmas Tree?  Did little Johnny's costume get grape juice all over it moments before the holiday pageant?  Did the menorah go missing?  Did travel arrangements get snarled or miscommunicated?  Did Santa's sleigh have to make an emergency landing?  The field is wide open!  Have fun!  And I'm adding, because so many people have mentioned this, the story does not have to be funny!  You can have a holiday mishap that is serious or sweet or mysterious...  Please don't feel that you have to go the humor route!

To see ALL the entries, go to Susanna Hill's blogpost, HERE.

Here is my creation, at 349 words. It's a theme that has been on my heart for quite a while . . . 

Help! Baby Jesus is Missing! 

Molly stood in front of her neighbor's house, looking at a forest of lighted  decorations. There was a snowman, a tin soldier, a candy cane, a candle, and of course, Santa and his reindeer.  

In the center were Mary and Joseph, bowing low over the manger. But, it was empty! Where is the Christ Child, Molly wondered? "It's His birthday soon. Jesus can't miss His own party!"

Maybe the tin soldier would know. "No, Miss," he said, "I'm just keeping the peace. Try the snowman."

The snowman looked strange. "Have you seen Jesus?" she asked.

"I can't see. They've forgotten my walnut eyes.  Sorry! Maybe the candy cane can help."

She hoped so. But Molly was disappointed. " I'm too busy straightening my pretty red bow. I haven't seen him."

"We must find him," she said in despair. "Christmas is coming soon!"

"Ask Santa," the candy cane suggested.

"Yes!" Sally said. "Santa would know."

She tugged on the sleeve of his red velvet suit. "Santa? Santa! Jesus is missing. Can you help?"

"Can't stop now, little girl. It's almost time to deliver my gifts. Ask the candle."

So she did. "Mr. Candle, can you help the Christ child find his way back to the manger?"

"Not tonight. Ask His parents."

"Mary? Joseph? Where is your Son?"

"He's coming soon, child. Very soon. He will be pleased to know you were waiting for Him," said Mary.

 "Those who are wise seek Him," said his father.  "Be patient, and he will appear."

Molly waited. Two whole days. On Christmas morning, there in the manger, was Jesus, hands outstretched. His parents lovingly bowed in reverence.

Molly clapped her hands in joy. "He's here! Just in time. Happy Birthday, Jesus!"

The lawn decorations joined in.

"To the Prince of Peace!" said the soldier.

"You warm our hearts," said the snowman.

"Our sweet baby Jesus," the candy cane said.

"The greatest gift!" said Santa.

"The light of the world," said the candle.

"Wise men still seek Him," Joseph declared.

"Our waiting is over" said Mary.

"You've finally come!" Molly said. "Welcome to our world!!"

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!