41Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44Assuming 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. 45When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When 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.” 49He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50But they did not understand what he said to them. 51Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.
- Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
- Sit ten to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying close attention to the deep breath.
- Let the breathing soothe you, calm you, comfort you.
- Push back and down your shoulders allowing the breath to fill you fully.
- Lift your chest as you lift your eyes to God.
- Feel the love of God showered upon you.
- Let a project come to mind that you have been growing and nurturing.
- What anxiety do you carry around this project?
- Allow God’s love to shine upon this anxiety.
- Hear these words, “Why were you anxious? Did you not know that I must be in in the midst of this work.?”
- What thoughts come to mind?
- What do you notice in your body?
- What is God’s message for you?
- How does your faith help you grow in wisdom and in years and in God’s favor?
- Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, December 30, 2018, the First Sunday after Christmas (Year C)
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26