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Grace to Grace

Reluctantly, we must let the Christmas holiday go, but don’t let that Spirit go. Do as Jesus did after His first Christmas.

When it was safe, Joseph brought Mary and Jesus out of Egypt and settled them in Nazareth of Galilee. Christmas was over and the mortal probation of God’s Son was underway.

Mortality is indeed a probation. Each of us was given a body, mind, and heart, and the time, means, and a commandment to improve all three. With these gifts, we live life to love God and our fellow men. It was the same for Jesus and more so. Will the progress be slow? Will it take time and patience? Jesus waited thirty years before He was ready.

Undoubtedly, Jesus learned much from Joseph the carpenter. Luke 2:52 says that Jesus grew in “stature.” He not only grew physically, but he waxed strong. There is indescribable joy in mastering and strengthening the body.

Jesus also grew spiritually. Luke says he “…waxed strong in Spirit…and the grace of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:40), and that he “increased in… favor with God…” (Luke 2:52). Jesus was close to His Father. As we study, obey, and pray, so will it be with us, and it will feel so good.

Luke also says Jesus “…increased in wisdom…” (Luke 2:52). Wisdom is vision and power. The Savior developed His mind to an astonishing degree, becoming wiser than any man in His generation, even Solomon himself. It is for us as it was for Him, we must pray and study.

It is fascinating to know that even in His youth, Jesus “increased… in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). He was so far above every man in every way, yet, as He increased in favor with God, He also increased in favor with man. People liked Him. In stark contrast to the hate and crucifixion at the end of His life, at the beginning, He was loved and favored by those who knew Him. He loved and was loved, as I hope happens with us.

Do as Jesus did after His first Christmas. Grow in mind, body, and spirit. Open your heart and love God and man. As we let Him in, He takes us from grace to grace, higher and higher in power and perfection of mind, body, and heart until that perfect day.