And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52, NASB)
Bethlehem, the manger, the heavenly host, the visit of the wise men, and all of the other wondrous features of our Lord’s arrival were a great beginning; but it didn’t end there. The baby Jesus became the boy Jesus, who became the adolescent Jesus, who became the fully-grown man.
In our lives, there are many wondrous beginnings: The birth of a child; a wedding; a new lease on life after a serious illness; a new day. It is only the first step. Advancing through each step that follows is as expected as night following day.
We grow in stature because we take nourishment over time. We grow in wisdom by the same principle, but instead of food, it is obedience to the word of God that increases wisdom and divine favor. – Luther
Daily Encouragement 