TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:49, 52
Listen: Luke 2
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Christmas is God’s story of glory and peace. It is the story of his entrance into our reality to save us. From the moment Adam and Eve disobey, he foretells his story throughout the history of Israel, getting them ready for his predicted entrance.
Ever wondered what Jesus was like as a boy growing up? There is little written about this, but we have one account in the Bible when Jesus was 12 years old. Jesus and his family had traveled to Jerusalem for a Jewish holiday. He accidentally was left behind when the caravan departed. They looked for three days (!) and finally found him in the temple talking with the religious teachers. Jesus was eager and determined to learn truths about his heavenly Father.
One of the incredible and oft overlooked truths of Jesus life is that he needed to grow. He was fully human. Luke 2:52 says, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men.” He had to learn and expand his understanding just as we do. The only difference, he had no sin nature. He did it perfectly.
Just as Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, we are also growing. One way we do this is through spiritual practices. Reading our Bibles, praying, journaling our gratitude or frustrations, and serving others are all ways develop. As the new year approaches, it can be helpful to pick a spiritual practice that you can improve on in the next year. Focused energy in spiritual practices help us develop in our relationship with God and one-another.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Pick one spiritual practice to focus on this next year. Additional resources like a devotional book or prayer guide can be helpful. Then share your decision with a close friend or your small group. Journeying together can greatly improve our success. May this practice helps you grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men just as our Savior Jesus did.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
