Luke 2:40-52—
Imagine the horror Mary and Joseph went through as they spent three days
searching for Jesus. Having traveled to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover the
streets of the capital city were filled with a throng of people. It took three
days to locate the boy; one day traveling away from Jerusalem, a second
traveling back and a third looking for Him. Yet they found Jesus in the temple
in the Father’s house. Jesus pointed to His personal duty to His Father in
heaven. Even at the age of twelve He was aware of His unique relationship to God.
He was also obedient to His earthly parents. A new year has begun. May we
dedicate this year to the study of Scripture, weekly attendance at Bible study,
worship and frequent reception of the Sacrament. We want to grow in the faith.
The degree to which this can be accomplished is determined by the extent to
which we use and expose ourselves to Christ’s Word. Notice that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God
and men. As our youth mature they need to grow physically, cognitively, as
well as spiritually.
Today is the last day of an old year. Take time to reflect
on the many blessings the LORD has showered down on you. Take inventory of your
life. The old year is past. God is still here. What new ventures might befall
us in the New Year? Of this we can be certain the same Savior will guard and
keep you. Fare thee well child of God. Fare thee well.
A prayer before we study the Word
– Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in
vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right
discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.[2]
There is no other Savior against sin and death, no one else to help in heaven or earth, than this singular child of the Virgin Mary named Jesus. Good works are to be done, but they are not Jesus, do not save, cannot rescue from death. This child, however, saves and rescues from death.
When we’re assaulted by ordinary
earthly misfortunes, we can counter them most likely with the usual human
resources. But when we lie at death’s door, then let go of all else, look only
to this Savior, and say, “I know one doctor, advocate, emperor, king, pastor
—namely, the child Jesus. He can and will save me from eternal death.”
(Martin Luther)
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