When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

“Hold on,” the young person sings because he/she is a “little unsteady.” “Mama,” the child sings, “come here. Daddy, I’m alone ‘cause this house don’t feel like home. If you love me, don’t let go. Hold on to me. Mother, I know that you’re tired of being alone; Dad, I know you’re trying to fight when you feel like flying. If you love me, don’t let go.”

Mary and Joseph knew the law when it came to their child Jesus. But they knew more than that. As attested by the accounts found in the Gospels, they were very much aware that they were necessary to help the young Jesus grow up in their world. They realized that they were the stability that the growing Jesus had to have.

One can readily understand why this is true. The developing young mind must have a certain amount of stability in order to grow. As a delicate flower must have the proper environment, so the young person must have the necessary atmosphere to learn about life and love, freedom and responsibility. If the young people do not experience a stable basis for their growth, they will enter adulthood wounded.

The group X Ambassadors labels such a situation for the young as being “unsteady.” They sing their song as if the child or teen is speaking and the young people “beg” to have Mom and Dad hold on to them because they are a “little unsteady.” Even if they–Mom and Dad–find difficulty in remaining together, the child tells his parents that they must be there for him/her in order to make their living together to feel like a home.

Thinking about the song, perhaps two conclusions must be considered. One is the obvious one for the parents of our world. The song and the example of Mary and Joseph in the Gospels shows the importance of parents as a young child grows, from early until adulthood, a lesson to be learned for all parents. The song also calls on children who are old enough to speak their minds to their parents, respecting them, giving them good reason to hold on to them.

A case can be made that all of us are “unsteady,” but certainly those of us who are younger must have the stability necessary for a good foundation.

Good and gracious God, Mary and Joseph were good parents as Your Son began his life with us on this earth. May we all learn the importance of a good family as we grow in this world. Be with us, we pray.

Young people absolutely need their parents in order to grow well.

1. In the Gospel, it is clear that Mary and Joseph were good Jewish people who followed the law. In general, do you think most Christians follow the law of Christianity in their lives? Yes or no and why?
2. What are the characteristics of parents who offer a stable foundation for their children?
3. In general, in our world, do most parents offer true stability to their children?
4. Text analysis: “Little unsteady.” What is your understanding of the phrase?
5. What is the principal effect on the young children when Mom and Dad cannot get along?
6. In general, what does it mean that children should treat their parents with respect?
7. What does the song “Unsteady” teach young people?