December 27

Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart. — Luke 2:51 BSB

Jesus returned to Nazareth, where He obeyed His parents and showed respect and helpfulness in all things. He found a small, humble home to be a large enough space for His divine purpose.

The poet Browning imagined the angel Gabriel stepping into the place of a poor boy, working contentedly at a simple trade, as if it were the highest service. But here, we see something even more incredible: the Son of God living in a humble home, doing the work of a child. If even Jesus found meaning and purpose in such a place, shouldn’t every child, no matter their gifts, find the same value in their place in life? A life spent doing everyday tasks—washing dishes, sweeping floors, working at a desk or in a shop—may seem lowly to the world, but it can be so filled with God’s grace that a king might gladly give up his crown for it.