Jesus grew up in Nazareth and every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast.  When he was twelve years old, they went to the Feast as usual and when it was over, his parents started returning home.  However, they were unaware that Jesus had stayed behind in Jerusalem.  "He's lost!" exclaimed Mary after they has questioned their relatives if they had seen Jesus.

"We had better go back to Jerusalem," said Joseph and they then spent the next three anxious days searching for Jesus.  Eventually, they found Him in the temple, sitting talking with and listening to the teachers and priests.  He was listening to them and asking them questions.  Everyone was amazed because He understood and knew so much about God.

"Son," asked Mary, "Why have you behaved like this to us.  Your father and I have been looking everywhere for you and worrying."  Jesus answered His mother, "Why did you look for me?  Didn't you know I must be about My Father's business?"

Mary and Joseph did not understand what He was saying to them.  But, Jesus knew that God was His real Father and that He needed to serve God with all His heart and mind.  But, after this He went back to the town of Nazareth with His parents and was obedient to them.  But, Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought often about them.  And Jesus continued to grow up, increasing in wisdom and in favour with God and the people.

Boys and girls you are young, but many of you have accepted Jesus as your Best Friend, Lord and Saviour.  It was for you that Jesus was born here on earth, and died and rose again.  Jesus knew from an early age that God had chosen Him to die for the sins of all mankind, so that whoever believed in Him could have eternal life.

You heard how Jesus continued to grow up, increasing in wisdom and in favour (pleasing) with God and the people.  God wants you to do the same, and obey the Bible, so that you can please Him in all you do and say.  If you do this, you will be a blessing not only to your parents, but to everybody you meet.

God will lead and guide you, and you will find out in time what God wants you to do with your life.  Doing this will gain you a crown of righteousness in Heaven and God's approval, "Well done you good and faithful servant!"

God bless.