According to family lore, Bernt went to the outhouse one day and never returned.  He’s been missing so long we know he’s dead.  But the genealogy buffs in the family would really like to find him.  Clues were pieced together at the Cousins’ Christmas Party last Saturday:  Bernt might have gone to Alaska.

When my mom’s interest in genealogy piqued my curiosity, it was because of the missing names – not the missing persons.

Reading the genealogy of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, I’m struck by all the missing names.  The papas are all there.  The mamas are – mostly – not.

We could add a few names.  Isaac’s mother was Sarah (Gen 21:3).  Jacob’s mom was Rebekah (Gen 25:26).  Leah was Judah’s ma (Gen 29:31).

Today I remember the missing – the names and the people.  Some have died.  Some have moved on with their lives and I have no idea what has happened to them.  Some I’ve never met but I know someone who holds them dear.  Most I’ve never heard of.  I know their absence, whoever they are, leaves a hole in the lives of family and friends.

We pray for the missing, dear God.  Wherever they are today, we trust their care to you.  May each one know they are loved.  May those missing a dear one find hope and comfort, love and peace in the midst of this season that too often forgets those who mourn.  Amen.

Until next time, Teressa