Daily Bible Reading, December 2022: God’s Renewing Word of JoySmakprov

December 29 Introduction After completing everything required by the Law, Mary and Joseph return to Nazareth with Jesus. The chapter concludes with the account of Jesus, at age 12, debating with the Jewish teachers in the Temple in Jerusalem. Scripture Reading Luke 2:39-52 Today’s Key Verse: Luke 2:52 Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people. Reflect Reread verses 41-52. Why did Jesus stay behind in Jerusalem? What did the teachers think of him? Why were his parents astonished when they found him? What did they say (verse 48)? What was Jesus’s response (verse 49)? Verses 40 and 52 speak of Jesus’s wisdom. As stated in Proverbs 9:10, “To be wise you must first have reverence for the LORD. If you know the Holy One, you have understanding.” In what way does your daily encounter with Scripture fill you with wisdom? Pray Lord God, just as your beloved Son Jesus grew in body and wisdom, teach me your ways and guide me in my faith journey so that I continue to grow in knowledge of you. Daily will I praise you and offer my reverence to you. Amen. Tomorrow’s Reading Matthew 1:1-25: Matthew gives an account of Jesus’s ancestors and an account of Jesus’s birth.