As we complete the 12 Days of Christmas, we see growth in Jesus, and we are reminded that we are to grow in every way into Jesus, the Head of the Church.

The First Reading is recorded in 1 Kings 3:4-15. This is the account of King Solomon’s request to the LORD that the LORD would give wisdom to Solomon to rule the people of Israel. This is a wonderful prayer; let us also seek the wisdom that the Lord gives, He alone is the source of true wisdom. Notice how this prayer will tie in to the Gospel for today, as Jesus grows in wisdom.
Wise and loving God, give us Your wisdom to seek Your will for our lives. In Your wisdom direct our eyes to Jesus, our Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Today’s psalm is a portion of Psalm 119, verses 97-104. Notice how the words and teachings of the Lord are the delight, joy, and source of wisdom for the psalmist. Let us, like the psalmist, be ever studying the Word of God, and growing in what He would have us learn from the Holy Scriptures, and from Jesus, the Word of God in human flesh.
Holy Spirit, lead us to love, study, grow, and share the Word of God with others, so that all will come to Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

The Second Reading is the opening words of the apostle Paul to the Ephesians, 1:3-14. Paul packs a lot into these words, and it’s hard to digest all of them at once, (in Greek, this section is one long sentence). As you read through it, notice how the Lord redeems us in Christ; our redemption in Christ is central to Paul’s letter. Let us always rejoice in the redemption we have in Him.
Redeeming Lord, we give You thanks and praise that You have redeemed us in Jesus. Let Your Holy Spirit work in our lives each day to enable us to grow in Christ, giving You glory for the redemption we have in Jesus. Amen.

The Gospel reading,Luke 2:40-52, is the account of Jesus growing as a child, and His time in the Temple in Jerusalem when He was 12 years old. Notice how Jesus grows in wisdom. May we grow in Christ, growing in faith and wisdom through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit, increase our faith, hope, love, and wisdom as You enable us to grow in Christ. Inspire us so that our lives always point to Jesus, our Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ Name, amen.