And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 (NKJ)
The text above is familiar to every child of God. As the season of the celebration of the birth of the world’s Savior comes quickly upon us, I take you on a brief historical journey regarding the parental care which Mary and Joseph gave to Jesus.
You know well the story of the visitation of the shepherds, and the coming of the wise men. What may be less well known to many is the way that Joseph and Mary carried out their parental responsibilities toward the newborn child of Bethlehem.
First there was the circumcision and the naming of Jesus. This was in accordance with the law.
(Luke 2:21) Then there was the redemption, the buying back of the firstborn male for He belonged to God.
(Luke 2:22) There was the training in the history of the Passover and its meaning for the children of God. Finally, there was the journey to Jerusalem when Jesus had reached the age of 12.
(Luke 2:42-50)
The Gospel of Matthew describes the hatred Herod had toward Jesus, and the threat to the life of Jesus and every baby born in Bethlehem. Again inspired by God, Joseph takes the initiative to move Jesus and His mother to safety in Egypt.
This brief account reveals that Joseph and Mary were keenly interested in both the spiritual and physical safety of the son that was entrusted to their care.
As I write this article, recent events which have unfolded at Penn State University, remind of us of the extreme vulnerability of our children in this age and culture. Just as Herod wanted to take the life of Jesus, so there are many enemies who desire to bring ruin to your children today.
You remember how the Word of God revels that the devil, the world, and your own nature all want to lead you to ultimate destruction of both your faith and life, so you must be aware of the myriad of temptations from the culture of today which desire to destroy the faith of your children and every baptized child of God.
Dr Beverly Yahnke, in an article in
The Lutheran Witness (October 2011; p. 29-30) offered these comments to assist you in the parenting of your children:
Children require Godly parents and grandparents who are guardians of the Truth.
“How do parents protect children from Satan’s clever use of cultural carrots’ tempting them to misbelieve and unbelief?” Dr Yahnke, in answer to the above question, offered the following:
1.
Parents are nurtured regularly by God’s Word and Holy Sacrament, equipping them for their tasks in a culture of faith. They become “doers of the Word.”
2.
Parents are informed guardians for their children, becoming aware of cultural temptations and trends, learning how their children can be protected from harmful media and cyber-influences. It is hard to protect against threats of which one is unaware.
3.
Parents encourage their child’s natural exploration of this world, yet establish boundaries unapologetically. Parents also seek guidance from their pastors and other Christian parents in the community of faith.
May God keep you faithful as parents!
Pastor Froh
