Be Careful What You Pray For (Luke 2:41-52) // Christmas Day, December 25, 2021

Be Careful What You Pray For (Luke 2:41-52) // Christmas Day, December 25, 2021

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Luke 2:41-52 (New Revised Standard Version)

41 Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43 When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents[a] saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” 49 He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.


Summary:

For the month of December and the Season of Advent, we will journey through the Gospel of Luke and learn what it means to “Wait on the Lord.” As we wait to celebrate the birth of Jesus and for Christ’s second coming in the world, we are not passive spectators, but active anticipators of the Lord’s coming.

Jesus was born and as he grows up, he becomes much for Mary and Joseph to handle! Even when what he hoped for seems overwhelming, be encouraged. Treasure all things as gifts from God that help us increase is wisdom and favor with God.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
  2. What does this scripture teach you about treasure?
  3. What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?