When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
- Luke 2:39-40
 
A whole childhood summed up in a single sentence, that’s what we have in today’s passage. The next time we’ll see Jesus he’s 12. Where did that time go?
 
A lot of us feel the speed of time as we close out another year. Where did 2017 go?
 
Today we want to invite you into a reflection exercise. Spend time with Jesus reflecting on 2017. The following prompts (inspired by today’s passage) may be helpful:

• How have you grown this year?
• Where were you strong this year?
• Where did you get to demonstrate wisdom this year?
• How have you experienced the grace of God this year?

Take time to pray through your reflections. Thank God. Apologize where necessary. Learn where you can. Receive the love and acceptance that God has for you – his beloved child – as you close out this year.