And when they [Joseph and Mary] had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord,
they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. Luke 2:39–40
Lord Jesus, this passage presents a most beautiful, holy, Gospel-filled irony. Eight days after you were born, Joseph and Mary took you the Temple and did “everything by the Law of the Lord” on your behalf.
But little did they understand you were born to fulfill the Law of the Lord for them, and for us too. As Lord of Lords, you made, sustain, and will restore the world. But as the Lamb of God, you came into your world to take away the sins of the world. Hallelujah!
Our hearts sing and soar, our knees bend, and our hands rise as we reflect on your perfect obedience and once-and-forever sacrifice. You didn’t come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it. What we could never do, you’ve done for us; what we could never be, you became for us. The law demands a whole-hearted love and a perfect righteousness we receive freely and fully in the Gospel.
Your last words from the cross, “It is finished!” are our first words of peace, joy, and freedom. Our lives are now hidden in you, rooted in your love, and enveloped in your grace. There’s nothing left to prove and nothing more we really need in life. We have nothing ultimately to fear, dread, or vex about—including death, or life. We are yours—now and forever.
And by the same grace you saved us, you’re now changing us. What will this look like in 2020? In what ways are we not as free, joyful, and whole as you intend, Lord?
What sin and shame, regrets and resentments, worries and fears are you inviting us to offload on you as this year ends? Show us, Jesus. Free us. So very Amen we pray, in your most glorious and gracious name.
