Luke 2

Whenever I read this chapter, I always have to read the first part twice (second time slowly) or I find myself not really hearing the words of this chapter (I hate to use the phrase, but perhaps this is a casualty of "perceived overfamiliarity"--we're not actually overfamiliar with this passage, but we think we are because we had to memorize it in church school or we watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas" every year).
Here are some observations to perhaps freshen it up again:
(2:1) Caesar Augustus--the other person in the area who claimed to be the son of god (prophets fortold his coming; he was said to usher in the age of peace; of him it was said, "there is no other name under heaven by which men can be saved;" his birth was even fortold by a cosmic event in the heavens--sound familiar?).
(2:8) The shepherds were probably kids--possibly a group of girls.
(2:24) The offering brought by Joseph and Mary tells me that they are not well-off financially speaking (check Lev. 12:8).
(2:29-32) "Simeon's song." This passage is really beautiful. When I was in college (go Calvin!) we sang a very beautiful musical arrangement of this passage. But what I remember most is that right in the middle of our first time through, the director stopped us after the words, "a light for revelation to the Gentiles." He stopped the music and said, "Folks, that's us! That's us! God has opened the way of salvation for us! No matter how often we sing this song, never forget that marvelous truth!" Needless to say, that's left quite an impression on me.
(2:46) Look at what Jesus was doing in the temple: "asking them questions."
(2:52) a great mystery: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."

Luke 1

This is actually the longest chapter in Luke, so if you can hang with me here, you'll be all set. But in Luke 1, let's start off with Zechariah--a priest. Do you remember the discussions we had about the who the priests were in Jesus' time? Most of them Saduccees, and many of those (at least the chief priests and the high priest) were corrupt. So Luke makes sure to point out not only that Zechariah was a priest, but also that he and his wife were "upright in the sight of the God." Anyway, Zechariah was chosen to be the one to offer incense inside the Temple. There were 24 courses (groups) of a thousand priests each serving twice a year for one week each time. To offer incence in the Temple was something that a priest could never be chosen to do his whole life--I think Luke wants us to realize that God is doing something amazing here, and He is "loading the dice" in preparation for it.
Next, when Zechariah is in the Temple, an angel appears before him and, among other things, quotes Malachi. Twice. It is interesting to note that chronologically speaking, this is the first Biblically recorded communication between God and His people since the days of the Old Testament. What was the previous recorded communication? Malachi! So the very last thing God talks about in the Old Testament is the very first thing He brings up in the New Testament!
Well, Gabriel's next assignment is to deliver some shocking news to a girl (think high school freshman) named Mary (Miriam). She (like Zechariah) has some pretty severe concerns, but unlike Zechariah, apparently her heart condition is a little more receptive to God's will (v.38).
Take another moment to read "Mary's Song" in verses 46-55.
The next passage is also pretty cool. Remember, Zechariah still can't talk, but apparently people thought he couldn't hear either (see vs. 62)! Then Zechariah gives the name and begins to speak, and God has caught His people's attention (vs. 65-66).

Same discussion...new place

Hopefully, the link from my website took you here. I'm not yet sure how to get the conversations we already had started over here, but maybe we came to a little break in the action so perhaps that's not our primary concern at this point (but if anybody has any ideas, I'd love to hear them). I would like to continue to dig into the gospels with you, and by my count, Luke is next. Luke has 24 chapters, so let's plan on one a day. If it has to be different from that, I'll try my best to let you know in advance. So let's start with Luke 1 on August 30. Sound good?