This morning we began a short series of services following the story of Jesus as he grows up - well the hints and glimpses we get from Luke's gospel anyway.

Today we thought about the toys and games we enjoy, and how they compare with those Jesus may have known.

I was chuffed when the suggestions offered were all toys and games that have no need of batteries, electricity or screens... a small boy mentioned his toy fire engine, an adult a dolls house made by her father, now being enjoyed by a third generation, another adult, now an internationally respected research scientist recalled a chemistry set.  Tree climbing, hide and seek, races, chase and games of make believe all featured as pass times we enjoy - and these would have been popular among Jesus' contemporaries.

We imagined him falling over and running to Mary with a scraped knee, or earning a stern look when he returned late for his tea after having fun with his friends.  Of course I have no evidence for either of these, but if Jesus was fully human, then surely he would have experienced such things.

Next week we will move on to take a look at first century education... which has also been fun to research!