Grow in Favor

I bless you to grow in favor.

After Christmas, after the manger,

After the shepherds and magi and Herod’s danger,

What happened?

After Gabriel’s visit,

After the Heavenly Host ascended from the Bethlehem skies,

After the magi set their compasses eastward,

After the baby became a lad,

What happened?

Jesus increased in wisdom, stature and favor

With God and people.

The perfectly Favored One increased in favor!

If the favor on Jesus’ life could grow,

So can favor flourish more and more for you.

To be favored is to be “graced,” literally.

To be favored is to be shown undeserved kindness—

Unmerited respect—

Unexpected blessing.

May you find yourself less often trying to kick your way in

And more and more

Watching doors open

By the favor of God.

Today’s blessing is inspired by:

Luke 2:52 (ESV) — 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

When Jesus began his ministry, He announced it as the fulfillment of the “year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:19). Favor (unmerited grace) has arrived once and for all. In Christ, you are favored by God. And that’s the Gospel!