CHILDHOOD YEARS

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Luke 2:40
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
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I have zero knowledge or memory of everything that happened since the day I was born up to maybe when I am four to five years old. This is called infant amnesia which is very much related to our brain development. But this doesn’t mean that I did not exist at that time! There are pictures and anecdotes from my parents and relatives that I did. I may have remembered nothing, but my parents do know and remember.

Similarly, we know very little about Jesus as a child. There are only a few remarks and hints in scripture. Most probably, the thought process of the evangelists was to give an account of his public ministry, and not his private life. Hence they say little of Him in regard to his first years. But this doesn’t mean that He did not exist as a child!

He was circumcised (a Jewish tradition) when He was eight days old and was dedicated to service for the Lord. While in Nazareth the child grew and apparently learned the carpentry trade from his earthly father, Joseph. Jesus grew up and "became strong," in other words, he grew physically. He was not weak or frail. Working in the carpentry trade no doubt helped to strengthen him.

Jesus grew up and was "filled with wisdom," in other words, he grew mentally. And finally, Jesus grew up and had "the favor of God" upon him, in other words, he grew spiritually. Hence, Jesus grew physically, mentally, and spiritually. His childhood prepared him for his adult ministry. And so let us also raise our children, that they may be prepared for adulthood. May we help them to grow in strength and wisdom, may they grow in maturity, and may they find favor with both God and with man.

Almighty Father, let us grow in Your love – physically, mentally and spiritually. May we impart the same to our children - willing to help the hurting, offer comfort to the hopeless, and reach out to the powerless. This is how You want us to grow. And this is how we shall live our lives as we follow You and Your will.

They will praise you, Lord, who long for you.