Luke 2:41-52
It’s the day after Christmas. Many of you may still have celebrations coming up with family and friends, but for many, Christmas is over. We’ve done the gifts, the food (oh so much food!), the gatherings, and the necessary church service. Now what?
When I was reading the Scripture passage listed above, titled “The Boy Jesus in the Temple” in the Bible I’m using, a couple things stood out. One - how could they leave a 12-year old boy behind and not know he was gone??? It kind of reminded me of the Home Alone movies.
A couple other things stood out to me as well. In verse 49, Jesus says “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And verse 52 – “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.”
Jesus saw the need to grow. He sought out teachers in the temple, listening to them and asking questions. He was brought up by parents who followed all the religious teachings and passed them on to him, but he wanted more.
Maybe this is how we carry Christmas with us into the new year. This is a time when people make resolutions, most of them having to do with improving their life. A great resolution would be to grow in our faith. Everyone has an idea of what works best for their own spiritual growth. Some read books, others read daily devotions, others listen to podcasts.
Maybe this coming year, we need to try something different. Maybe we need to be like Jesus and seek out new knowledge. We could listen and ask questions. We could start a new spiritual discipline. This would be a great way to keep celebrating!
Question for Reflection:
- What is something new or different that I can try to grow in my faith? Some ideas at Southwood: small groups, music opportunities, serving opportunities like Matt Talbot, the Gathering Place, Meals on Wheels, etc., attending a Healing Prayer service
Prayer
Lord, Sometimes we become stagnant in our faith. Help us to find new ways to branch out and grow, so we can be your hands and feet in this world. Amen.
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