Wisdom

In today’s Old Testament Reading, young Solomon demonstrates wisdom beyond his years when God asked, “What shall I give you?” “Give Your servant an understanding mind . . . that I may discern between good and evil,” responded Solomon. Wise as he was, Solomon still faltered—later on he welcomed other gods into the holy city, gods that ended up being her destruction. In the Gospel, we encounter another youngster, Jesus, at age twelve. He, too, is wise beyond His years, sitting in the temple, listening to the teachers, and asking questions. Unlike Solomon, He never faltered. He “increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Later on, He redeemed us through His blood, shed on the cross, and forgave our trespasses according to the riches of His grace. Rather than welcome other gods, Jesus was and is true God, come to save us. We gather today at the beginning of a new year, and we are blessed. God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing, including the blessing of the wisdom of knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. “Come and worship, come and worship; Worship Christ, the newborn King” (LSB 367)