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A Light to the Young, January 21
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom:
and the grace of God was upon him.
Luke 2:40
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The example of Jesus is a light to the young as well as to those of
mature years, for His was a representative childhood and youth. From
His earliest years His example was perfect. In both His physical and His
spiritual nature He followed the divine order of growth illustrated by the
plant, as He wishes all youth to do. Although He was the majesty of
heaven, the King of glory, He became a babe in Bethlehem, and for a time
represented the helpless infant in its mother’s care. In childhood He did
the works of an obedient child. He spoke and acted with the wisdom of a
child and not of a man, honoring His parents, and carrying out their wishes
in helpful ways, according to the ability of a child. But at each stage of
His development He was perfect, with the simple, natural grace of a sinless
life
Joseph, and especially Mary, kept before them the remembrance of
their child’s divine Fatherhood. Jesus was instructed in accordance with
the sacred character of His mission. His inclination to right was a constant
gratification to His parents. The questions He asked them led them to study
most earnestly the great elements of truth. His soul-stirring words about
nature and the God of nature opened and enlightened their minds.
On the rocks and knolls about His home the eye of the Son of God
often rested. He was familiar with the things of nature. He saw the sun in
the heavens, the moon and the stars fulfilling their mission. With the voice
of singing He welcomed the morning light. He listened to the lark caroling
forth music to its God, and joined His voice with the voice of praise and
thanksgiving
Quiet and gentle, He seemed as one who was set apart. Whenever
He could He went out alone into the fields and on the mountainsides to
commune with the God of nature. When His work was done He wandered
by the lakeside, among the trees of the forest, and in the green valleys,
where He could think about God and lift His soul to heaven in prayer
[28]
42
The Youth’s Instructor, May 25, 1909
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43
The Youth’s Instructor, September 8, 1898
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44
The Youth’s Instructor, December 5, 1895
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