29 December 2025 - Christmas 1, Year C

 

Theme

This week, we are faced with two stories of children who “grew in stature with God and people.” The comparison between Jesus and Samuel is too blatant to ignore. The author of Luke’s gospel would have been familiar with the Jewish scriptures and the importance of the person of Samuel in Israel’s story. By comparing Jesus’ upbringing to that of Samuel’s, the implication is clear: there is something special about this child. God favours him and has big plans for his life. The Colossians passage reminds us that God’s people are called to be set apart. Paul goes on to give practical instructions on how to live as a people called to be holy.

Scriptures

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 - The child Samuel is tutored by Eli, “growing in stature and favour with the Lord and people.

Psalm 148 - A Psalm of praise. A call for all of creation to praise the mighty God who rules over all creation.

Colossians 3:12-17 - God’s people are called to be holy. They should therefore clothe themselves in “good” things, forgiving each other and becoming unified in love and peace. Paul also encourages the Church to fill their lives with the richness of Christ’s message, teaching, counselling and singing songs to God with thankful hearts. 

Luke 2:41-52 - The child Jesus attends the Passover festival with his parents. Jesus is forgotten at the temple. When his parents return for him, he is found sitting and speaking with the religious leaders. When asked why he had done this, Jesus replied: “Didn’t you know I must be in my Father’s house?” Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature with God and all the people.

Personal Application

This week’s readings teach us two things: the first is about Jesus, the second is about ourselves. 

The first few chapters of Luke’s Gospel are a prelude to Jesus’ life and ministry. They set the scene and give us a foretaste of what’s to come. Therefore, when comparisons are made of Jesus to influential Old Testament prophets, like Samuel, we should take notice - the author is trying to tell us that there is something special about this person. Just like Samuel, God has placed a special call upon Jesus’ life and anointed his ministry. This understanding would have been clear to the first readers of this story, but it is good for us to be reminded of these small details today.

For those of us who have chosen to follow Jesus, we live in a constant battle to live as a holy people while understanding that we are not able to do so in our own strength. Passages such as Paul’s letter to the Colossians are helpful in that they give us practical ways to live as a holy people in the world today. 

First, we should “clothe ourselves” with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and most importantly, love. Second, we should forgive each other as God forgives us. Third, Christ’s peace should rule in our hearts. Finally, we should always be thankful. As we strive to become like Christ in our own lives, following these guidelines will help us to grow in stature with God and people just as Jesus and Samuel did.

Communal Application

Paul’s practical instructions to the Colossian church are as valuable to a community as they are to individuals. How can we, as churches, families, schools, and businesses, become more merciful, kind, humble, gentle, patient and loving in our treatment of others and interactions with the world? 

As the Psalmist calls all of creation to praise God, the way that we care for each other and God’s creation says a lot about how we honour God (or not) with our lives. 

Are we striving towards holiness as communities in the way that we care for and protect all of God’s creation?

Furthermore, as we continue with our Christmas season, we are faced with another story of Jesus’ youth that sets the scene for who Jesus was becoming and the importance of his story for the world. Are we paying attention? Are we willing to offer up our lives once again to follow the way of Jesus with all of our being?