Luke – Page 4 – Be Still…

Luke 11:1-4 💗 How Jesus Prays

Jesus praying on his knees, hands lifted up, looking heavenward

The theme we’ve been focusing on is the “Holy Spirit & Prayer.” Understanding both are so crucial to a healthy faith journey. After a couple of reflections on the Holy Spirit, today we focus on prayer with a simple example given to us by Jesus.

You may recognize it like I did. I grew up saying the Lord’s Prayer in church every Sunday. I never realized where it came from. Matthew 6:9-13 is another place where Jesus teaches us how to pray.

Luke 2:1-21 💙 Jesus is Messiah

Read Luke 2:1-21

As you read these words, do you picture a Christmas tree in the corner? What an appropriate passage to kick off our next section in the Discovering the Bible Challenge. This week is “Who is Jesus?” Knowing the answers (note the plural) to this question, will help us know Jesus and maybe even meet him in a new and impactful way. After all, Jesus is so many things to so many of us.

For today, we’re at Jesus’ birth. The birth of our king! If this was the very first introduction you had to Jesus, you would meet his mother, Mary, who appears to have gotten pregnant before she was married. She is only “engaged” to Joseph. A few verses later, we see how the angel explains how Mary can become pregnant and still be a virgin. Joseph was simply chosen to be Jesus’ earthly father.

Luke 15:11-32 💚 God’s Embrace

Read Luke 15:11-32

We’re on a quest together during the Discovering the Bible Challenge to read the Bible looking for clues and messages from God. Our first mission is to recognize God’s majesty and grace. In today’s passage I see this coming through God’s love and compassion.

I have always loved this story that Jesus told to help illustrate God’s love and desire to be in relationship with us. We don’t have to be perfect to be loved by God. He loves us all, even those who go “missing.”

Day 8 🌲 The First Noel

Read Luke 2:8-20

the first noel, the nativity with the kings

Jesus’ birth ushered in the celebration of “noel,” which simply means “born on Christmas.” That’s why we won’t find the word “noel” in the Bible. It does speak of the birth we celebrate on Christmas and is quite a popular word in this carol. It’s good to remember the reason for the season because we often see the Christmas story portrayed in other ways these days. For instance, heartwarming Santa stories, to include one of my favorites, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”

Our Christmas carol today is fun to sing, and there are six verses! I realized that the Lutheran hymnal from when I was a kid adds a sixth, very powerful verse, not found in most other sources. So, we’ll take a look at that today, too! The refrain or chorus is repeated after each verse. It’s simply, “Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.” If you’re like me, the tune is rushing off your lips!

Day 7 🌲 What Child is This?

A baby's head being cradled by a large hand with baby looking up

Jesus is this Child. This Child is God. Why is that so important?

The lyrics of this song will show us. The first verse speaks of Jesus’ kingship. We must haste to bring worship to our King Jesus! This baby was guarded and sang over by an audience of shepherds and angels.

What child is this who, laid to rest,
on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary!