December 29 Traditional Service

19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to
disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But when he had
considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream,
saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife;
for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She
will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His
people from their sins.”

39 When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the

Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. 40 There the child grew up

healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. 42

When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. 43 After

the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed

behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, 44 because they

assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that

evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends.

45 When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for

him there. 46 Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple,

sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions.

47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48

His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why

have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for

you everywhere.”

49 “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must

be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they didn’t understand what he meant. 51

Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his

mother stored all these things in her heart.

52 Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the

people.