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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 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.
Summary:
Throughout Advent, we focused on preparing the way to celebrate Jesus’ birth and coming into the world. Christ is now born! Mary, Joseph and the people of Jerusalem had long awaited the Messiah’s coming and with it comes an awesome responsibility. We must be careful of what we pray for because it may bring more than we intended. Yet, the gifts we get from God are treasures that will strengthen us for the days to come.
Reflection Questions:
- Did you receive a Christ gift that surprised you? What was it?
- For Mary and Joseph the gift of raising Jesus prove more difficult than they might have thought. What gift has God given you that surprised you?
- What gift has God given you that you once did not understand, but now treasure in your heart?