“The Christmas Journey Begins”
Scripture Passage
Lk 2:41-52
Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast
of Passover,
and when he was twelve years old,
they went up according to festival custom.
After they had completed its days, as they were returning,
the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem,
but his parents did not know it.
Thinking that he was in the caravan,
they journeyed for a day
and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances,
but not finding him,
they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
After three days they found him in the temple,
sitting in the midst of the teachers,
listening to them and asking them questions,
and all who heard him were astounded
at his understanding and his answers.
When his parents saw him,
they were astonished,
and his mother said to him,
“Son, why have you done this to us?
Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”
And he said to them,
“Why were you looking for me?
Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
But they did not understand what he said to them.
He went down with them and came to Nazareth,
and was obedient to them;
and his mother kept all these things in her heart.
And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor
before God and man.
Grace Prayed For
The grace of childlike wonder: Jesus, at twelve years old, is filled with awe and curiosity about his Father’s house. Pray for the grace to rediscover that childlike wonder at God’s presence in your life, in the scriptures, and in the world around you.
Reflection
The Christmas story often focuses on the idyllic image of the newborn babe in the manger. Yet, this passage from Luke’s Gospel offers a glimpse into Jesus’ childhood, revealing a crucial step in his journey towards fulfilling his divine mission. It’s a story that resonates deeply with the Christmas season, reminding us of the gradual unfolding of God’s plan and the beautiful mystery of the Incarnation.
Imagine the bustling streets of Jerusalem during Passover, the excitement and anticipation of the festival. In the midst of this vibrant scene, a young Jesus, just twelve years old, experiences a profound awakening. He lingers in the temple, immersed in the wisdom of the scriptures, engaging with the teachers, his heart ablaze with a deep understanding of his Father’s house.
This episode reveals a crucial aspect of Jesus’ identity: his intimate connection with God the Father. Even at this young age, he recognizes his divine sonship and his purpose in the world. His response to Mary and Joseph, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” speaks volumes about his awareness of his unique calling.
This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also reflect on his growth and development, his increasing awareness of his divine mission. Like any child, he learned and grew, but his journey was also marked by a profound spiritual awakening, a deepening relationship with his Father.
This passage also highlights the role of Mary, who “kept all these things in her heart.” She pondered the mysteries of her son, treasuring each moment, each word, each revelation. Her example invites us to contemplate the wonder of Christmas, to hold the story close to our hearts, and to allow its meaning to unfold in our lives.
As we celebrate the coming of our Trinitarian God, let us remember that Christmas is not just about the birth of a baby, but about the unfolding of a divine plan. It’s about the gradual revelation of God’s love through Jesus, the Word made flesh, who came to dwell among us and to lead us back to the Father. This Christmas, may we, like Mary, ponder these things in our hearts and allow the mystery of the Incarnation to deepen our faith and transform our lives.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Seeking Spiritual Growth: Jesus’ eagerness to learn from the teachers in the temple inspires us to pursue spiritual growth. We can deepen our intimacy with Jesus by studying Scripture, engaging in prayer, and seeking opportunities to learn and grow in our faith.
Daily Scripture Reflection
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post