It has brought me great joy to hear from my readers and to learn that many of you are enjoying "The Christmas Story!"
I want you all to know I've heard your request to continue the story on the weekdays so that you may finish the final touches of your Christmas plans with family and friends.
Realizing that there are parties to attend, children's practices for their "Christmas Programs," at church and school... I did suspend The Christmas Story over the weekend. However, we have one more week before CHRISTMAS will be upon us,
so let... The Christmas Story press onward!
wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of passover.
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be
about my Father's business?
And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
LUKE 2:40-50
JESUS, A YOUNG MAN
Little is recorded about Jesus’ life between His birth and the age of 30. But this one episode tells so much.
First, Jesus’ family life is a lot like anyone’s—full of mishaps and misunderstandings. Second, as Jesus enters young adulthood, He begins manifesting an extraordinary sense of identity.
(Remember, a 12-year-old isn’t “just a kid” in Israel—he is becoming a man.)
He isn’t just “Mary’s boy” or “Joseph’s stepson.” He has a direct relationship with God as His Father, and He knows His life will follow a path of working for God.
JESUS ASTONISHES JEREUSALEM SCHOLARS
Twelve sounds so grown up, especially when you are a Little Guy! But to us adults, 12 seems really young to be doing some of the things Jesus was doing at that age!
The teachers at the Temple thought so too! They couldn’t believe it when Jesus discussed the scriptures with them in such detail, especially since He hadn’t had any formal training!
Jesus was amazing in so many ways! He was at once completely human and completely God. This is demonstrated very tenderly in the story of Jesus in the Temple.
Although Jesus already knew who He was (the Son of God) and was able to discuss the scriptures with the teachers, He was still obedient to his earthly parents, and was submissive to them.
BELOW
Young Jesus Teaches In the Temple
He's Still King of Kings
Gaither Vocal Band & Company