Luke – Be Still…

Luke 2:1-20 – The Birth of Our King

It’s no longer Advent. We have arrived at Christmas, when we celebrate Jesus’ first coming. Merry Christmas! Whether you have read this passage a gazillion times or this is your first time, let the impact of the miracles of that glorious night touch your heart.

The angels declared, “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” This is a story that has God’s fingerprints all over it. The timing was perfect, placing Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem. God never said his entrance into the world would be flashy, and the humility played out perfectly. Between the angels and the shepherds, there was no need for a newspaper headline (had there been newspapers back then). What strikes you in this message? Continue reading “Luke 2:1-20 – The Birth of Our King”

Luke 1:26-38 – You Have Found Favor

Read Luke 1:26-38

Don’t we all desire to find favor with the LORD? Some of us may go out of our way to try harder than we need to. After all, God chose Mary for her humility and devotion. Who God chooses to do mighty things doesn’t always seem predictable, except that it will be unexpected. But just imagine hearing an angel telling you that “YOU” have found favor with the Lord. Priceless!

I loved how our pastor used this story in a sermon recently. He showed Mary’s obedience as a great role model for us. He contrasted Mary to Jonah, and while Jonah rebelled a bit, like we often do, Mary said before the angel left, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” What a beautiful dedication to the Lord. Continue reading “Luke 1:26-38 – You Have Found Favor”

Luke 1:67-79 – Path of Peace

Read Luke 1:67-79

This is the passage we read this week at the orphanage during the lighting of our second Advent candle on the Advent wreath. It was the candle of “peace.” These verses speak of our Prince of Peace, Jesus, the Savior of the world.

Picture the scene: Zechariah was finally able to speak after months of being unable. His son had just been born, and because of an angelic encounter earlier, Zechariah knew that his child would become a great prophet of God. He had to be beaming with pride as well as giving thanks to God. Continue reading “Luke 1:67-79 – Path of Peace”

Luke 21:25-36 – Don’t Be Afraid

Read Luke 21:25-36

The Gospel of Luke shares more details about what to look for when Jesus returns. People have been noticing such signs for many years, but I’m guessing that what Jesus describes is more intense than any changes we’ve seen.

Even though we’re walking through Advent together, it’s easy to get caught up in the distractions of the Christmas season. Magnificent as Jesus’ birth was, that was only the beginning. We must never forget Jesus is coming again, too, and that’s something to be ready for! Continue reading “Luke 21:25-36 – Don’t Be Afraid”

Luke 11:1-4 – Jesus Teaches Us to Pray

Read Luke 11:1-4

This reading moves us to the second half of our theme of the “Holy Spirit & Prayer.” The idea of prayer can be foreign to new Christ-followers who wonder what it means to pray. Isn’t Jesus the best source to teach us to pray? The disciples thought so, too. They had often seen Jesus go off on his own to spend quiet time with God. Talking to God is what prayer is all about.

I imagine the disciples wondered what Jesus would ask the Father. For folks who grew up in a Protestant church like I did, these words in our text are familiar. Known as “The Lord’s Prayer,” we find another teaching of Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 6:9-13. The Lord’s Prayer is read weekly by congregations as part of the order of service. What a great prayer to pray in community as well as individually! Continue reading “Luke 11:1-4 – Jesus Teaches Us to Pray”