It happened to Samuel, it happened to Jesus; Paul tells the Colossians what it truly means to grow in wisdom and favor with God. To be mature in Christ is to be clothed in compassion, to be filled with love and kindness, and to be ready with forgiveness and patience. As the busy month of December comes to a close, and as we face hopes and fears for the upcoming year, the lessons remind us of the true gift of Christmas: the birth of love in our lives. To grow in compassion and kindness is to grow in the wisdom of God.