Our Sacred Roots: The Priesthood of All Believers

54

T he C elebration of C hristmas

First Sunday after Christmas Day December 26, 2021 - January 1, 2022

WEEK 5

Christmas celebrates the birth of Messiah, Jesus, who is the incarnation of the Son of God, Mary’s child. He is the Wordmade flesh, the conqueror who enters this fallen world to reveal to us the Father’s love, to destroy the devil’s work, and to redeem his people from their sins. THIS WEEK’S THEME My Father’s House, Luke 2.41-52 Joseph and Mary were devout worshipers, going up to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up as was their custom, and when the week-long feast was ended, as they were returning, Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem (though his folks did not know it). They thought he was in their traveling group for a day’s journey on the road, but when they searched for him among their relatives and acquaintances, he was not there. They returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they finally found the boy Jesus in the temple sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Those who heard Jesus were amazed at both his understanding and his answers. Astonished at him, his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” Jesus said to his parents, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Neither understood his saying to them. Afterwards, he went down with them and back to Nazareth, submitting to them. Mary treasured up all these things in her heart, and the Lord Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, growing in favor with God and man. Even as a child, Jesus revealed his heart for God, his increase in wisdom and stature, and his devotion to the Father’s will.