WITH the advent of the child Jesus angelic voices proclaimed God's imperishable gift to the world of a Saviour destined to awaken earth-bound mortals through Christ to their eternal inheritance as sons of God, made in His likeness, spiritual, perfect, and forever free. The shepherds heard the joyful angel message of peace and good will to all mankind and made it known abroad.
Though human hatred desperately tried to prevent the fullness of the Christ appearing, ecclesiasticism, paganism, and idolatry, which had oppressed and impoverished the multitudes for generations, could not overshadow this glorious dawn of a new era. The protection of the spiritual idea unfolding in Mary's pure consciousness through her silent communion with the Father, infinite Spirit, and the divine guidance she experienced continued after the birth of Jesus and throughout his growth and development. Luke records that "the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." More could not be said if volumes were written.
Jesus' extraordinary spiritual discernment was early apparent in his visit to the temple, where he was found by his parents listening to the doctors and answering their questions with such understanding that they were greatly astonished. It is evident from the Gospel account that Jesus perceived his divine origin and holy mission at this period. Doubtless his whole purpose thenceforth was devoted to gaining the needed spiritual understanding of the Father and His likeness, spiritual man.
