Luke 2:39-52  Here we get a brief look at the "boy Jesus".  The family had moved back to Galilee to Nazareth where they had many relatives. "And the Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him."  

The family would go up to Jerusalem as required by the Law "every year".  When Jesus was 12 years old they traveled with a caravan of family and friends up to the Passover Feast.  At the end of the feast the group started their journey back to Nazareth. We know the story... after traveling for a day Mary and Joseph realized that Jesus was not with them or their fellow travelers.  So, they go back to Jerusalem and search for 3 days until they finally found Him in the temple "sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions." 

Luke tells us that "they were astonished"!  Had they forgotten who He was?  They felt like He had treated them badly, ".. .why have you treated us this way?" Mary asked Him.  Perhaps it was a needed reminder to Mary and Joseph that Jesus was more than just a regular 12 year old boy.. "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?"  They didn't understand even His question!

Jesus went back to Nazareth with His family and "He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart." 

It is about 18 years or so before Luke takes up the narrative again.  Jesus grows up.. He gains wisdom and stature.  He gains favor "with God and men." 

Humanity.. and Deity..The Son of Man who is the only Begotten Son of God.. such a marvelous mystery! How can we understand.. when Mary and Joseph heard from angels..  watched Him grow up from a newborn Babe.. and couldn't understand Him either.  But.. by faith we come to believe.. and we trust in His Word.. and we grow in the knowledge and understanding that He grants us.. and one day.. one day we will see Him face to face!  O What a day that will be!

Father in heaven, we give You thanks and praise for You have given Your Son to be our Savior.  We need You, Lord Jesus to shine Your great Light into our hearts and minds.  We treasure these things in our hearts as we celebrate that day when You came into the world to overcome the darkness.  And we fix our eyes on You.. as we await the Day when You will come again. Amen.