Pattern for Children and Youth, September 14

The Happiest Place on Earth

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:40.FLB 263.1

Jesus is our example.... It is in His home life that He is the pattern for all children and youth.^{64The Desire of Ages, 74.}FLB 263.2

His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips and from the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things.... His intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures shows how diligently His early years were given to the study of God's Word.... From His earliest years He was possessed of one purpose; He lived to bless others.^{65The Desire of Ages, 70.}FLB 263.3

In His youth He worked with His father at the carpenter's trade.... From His childhood He was a pattern of obedience and industry. He was as a pleasant sunbeam in the home circle. Faithfully and cheerfully He acted His part, doing the humble duties that He was called to do in His lowly life.^{66The Youth's Instructor, November 21, 1895.}FLB 263.4

The life of Christ was humble, free from affectation or display. He lived mostly in the open air.... The birds, the natural flowers that decked the fields with their glowing beauty, the majestic trees and lofty mountains, the ragged rocks and perpetual hills, all had special charms for Him.... Secluded from every human eye, He communed with His heavenly Father. His moral powers were strengthened by His meditation and communion with God.^{67The Youth's Instructor, September 1873.}FLB 263.5

It is the precious privilege of ... parents to cooperate in teaching the children how to drink in the gladness of Christ's life by learning to follow His example. The Saviour's early years were useful years. He was His mother's helper in the home; and He was just as verily fulfilling His commission when performing the duties of the home and working at the carpenter's bench as when He engaged in His public work of ministry.^{68The Adventist Home, 290.}FLB 263.6

Every youth who follows Christ's example of faithfulness and obedience in His lowly home may claim those words spoken of Him by the Father through the Holy Spirit, “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth.” Isaiah 42:1.^{69The Desire of Ages, 74.}FLB 263.7