After Christmas

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.  And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.  Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover.  When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom.  After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it… After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.  Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers…

He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them…

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Luke 2:39-43, 46-47, 51-52

Christmas has passed and the colorful presents under the tree have been opened.  Children screamed with anticipation and excitement.  Parents and grandparents took pictures of the memorable moments.  Perhaps, a few stray boxes or shreds of paper still remain on the floor.

You probably still have a smile on your face as you remember the abundance of good food.  Turkey and dressing, ham and sweet potatoes, and the desserts… Oh well, new dieting commitments will be resolved next week. 

Department stores are discounting the remaining merchandise on their shelves.  The executives are relieved to realize the financial windfall of the Christmas shopping season and are already making plans for next year.

I wonder, in the hubbub of family traditions and the bombardment of corporate advertising, have we lost sight of the eternal for the here-and-now?

We see our strengths and weaknesses reflected in Joseph and Mary.  They knew all along that Jesus was special… a gift of God.  For twelve years he was a human boy that needed to be protected and nurtured until adulthood.  Jesus’ parents did some really good things: they fed him well and created a safe home, so that he grew healthy and strong; they taught him respect, so that he was humble and obedient to those in authority; they modeled a righteous life, studying the Law and worshiping God regularly.  Yet, when Jesus was at the threshold of becoming a man, Joseph and Mary forgot why they were entrusted with his care.  They had become preoccupied with today’s troubles, instead of realizing that Jesus came to earth to fulfill the Father’s merciful plan of salvation.

Has Jesus’ incarnation made a difference in your life?  Christmas has passed, but the opportunity to prepare to live for Jesus’ return still remains.  Keep looking heavenward.  Let us all, like Jesus, “grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, please help us overcome our shortsightedness and our tendency to get caught up in the activities of the day.  Help us to grow in ways that please you, with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.  Bless us with the courage and strength to prepare for the Day you take us to our heavenly home.  In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Carl Smith

Stephenville, Texas