The Boy Jesus

This is another Advent post. I know we have no scripture that tells of Jesus' boyhood, how He played or related to His family, but to be certain, He did have a childhood with all the growing learning and discovery that happens being a child.

The story of Jesus includes Shepherds finding a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. But the Wise Men came to find a child. So maybe we can assume that Jesus was a little boy when the magi visited their family. They worshipped Him, but I imagine that maybe part of their worship was to play with Him and make Him smile. It is possible that the Magi were magicians and could do magic tricks that would delight a little one.

Shortly after their visit we know that Jesus and His family spent some time in Egypt to escape the anger of Herod who was out to kill Him. He was very young, but even young children sense fear in those close to them. Did Jesus try to comfort them and give them courage through His childlike nature?

What did He see in Egypt? Did He see the pyramids? Did He learn about the Exodus from the stories of Egyptians as well as His mother and father? I can imagine Him playing in the sand and running with friends. He was a little boy, and would have acted like a little boy.

Jesus saw the world from our point of view. He felt the sand flow through His fingers, gazed at the moon and stars, felt the sun on His face and marveled at the rain and thunder. Maybe it reminded Him of Noah and the flood. Little by little He was loving the world as a one who walked in flesh and blood but fully as God loves the world.

Jesus, what marvels awaited You as You walked among us in a body of flesh! You, oh God, make me marvel at Your humility and Your love for us! Forgive me when I overlook Your wonderful creation in my haste to get things done. Open my eyes to see the little and the big things that You set along my path each day. I give my body to be steered in the direction You want me to go!