Luke 2:52

New International Version

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

For Meditation

As we prepare to walk away from the Christmas story and into a new year, 2026, I want us to walk with confidence and grow with purpose, anchored in the life experiences and disciplines that shaped the Child Jesus as He grew into His ministry.

Born away from the glamor of Jerusalem, Jesus received a humiliating welcome into the world He created (Lk. 2:6-7). Notwithstanding the humble surroundings, the visits from the shepherds and wise men shone a light on His actual status as Immanuel in the cave’s darkness.

Herod planned to kill Him, so Mary and Joseph took the Child Jesus to Egypt for safety (Matt. 2:13-14). Jesus, therefore, became a refugee as a child. Maybe you thought your childhood life was harsh. Think again, but rejoice, because Jesus can empathize with you.

Led by the Holy Spirit, Simeon delivered a stunning declaration about Jesus’ life (Lk. 2:28-35). He is the source of salvation, a light to reveal God to the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel (30-32). Those were personal to Jesus, but He would cause many in Israel to fall because of their rejection, and others who accept Him would rise from sin and death to life. Many who speak against His ministry will reveal their wicked and unbelieving hearts (34-35). What a distinct person Jesus has become for all of us. Have you fallen or risen with Him?

Luke adds that Jesus grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and that the grace of God was upon Him (40). Are you growing this way?

Presented by His parents in the temple for His purification at the Passover in Jerusalem, Jesus stayed behind to study with the teachers. Meanwhile, His parents unknowingly left town without Him (41-50). That upset Mary and Joseph, but He reminded them of His mission, which they should have known from all the revelations and circumstances of His birth (49). Though the parents did not understand, Jesus went home with them and, in obedience, remained under their authority (50-51). Because of His obedience, we learn that “Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature, and in the favor of God and man” (52). Don’t we all need these in 2026?

This summary of Jesus’ pre-ministry life offers us much to ponder and learn from as we walk away from the Christmas story into 2026. It is a life of humiliation, suffering, learning obedience, studying the word of God, being filled with the Holy Spirit and with wisdom, and with the grace of God flowing all over Him. Is it any wonder Jesus grew to fulfill the purpose of His life—our salvation and the Father’s glory. May our lives portray these virtues in the coming year, amen.

Pray with Me

Father, thank you for the early life of Jesus and the lessons we can learn from it. Please help us live as He did, so we too can fulfill our purpose in life for Your glory. Amen.    

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