Read Luke Chapter 1 (you can use a Bible you have, or follow the link)

You have just read the first of 24 chapters in Luke’s gospel and I invite you to join with me in reading a chapter of Luke each day as we journey through Advent. By Christmas Day, you will have read the whole gospel record as Luke shared it with Theophilus.

Who was Theophilus? The name means ‘lover of God’ – and rather than a particular individual may be intended as a greeting to any reader whether first or twenty first century. It’s an account for you, that you may know the truth of Jesus (v4).

After introducing John who will become Jesus’ second cousin, we hear the angel’s message to Mary. Mary understandably is perplexed! The angel says ‘Don’t be afraid’ – words we hear over and over in the Bible’s story of God’s involvement with humanity. ‘Don’t be afraid… for there is nothing God cannot do’. These words from Luke chapter 1 verses 37 leapt out at me when as a teenager I started having a serious look at this Bible stuff! Wow!, there is nothing God cannot do… and that includes loving me and you and inviting us into the adventure of faith and truth. We have met ‘truth’ already (v4) and again and again particularly in Luke’s gospel we hear of truth for us and for all especially those the world considers weak and vulnerable. To Mary and to us, ‘The Lord’s message to you will come true’ (v45). And Mary responds with joy and gladness and in Mary’s song we see glimpses of the upside down kingdom in which her son will reign.

Read over the chapter again… not just as history, but as mystery, and know God’s longing that you and I and all creation might know truth, love and life.

May this Advent be a blessed time for you and yours…

With love, truth and light…

Donald.