Today’s Scripture reading: Luke 2:1–20. In Luke’s Gospel, the Christmas story begins on a throne and ends in a manger. As we read the unfolding of its plot, we learn valuable lessons about sovereignty, humility, value, worship and evangelism. … Continue reading Strength and Humility | Luke 2:1-20
Today’s Scripture reading: Luke 1:67–80. In this passage, Zechariah teaches us something important about Jesus Christ and something important about ourselves. Yesterday, we looked at what he teaches us about Christ. Today, we will look at what he teaches … Continue reading Through Us, Not Without Us | Luke 1:67-80
Today’s Scripture reading: Luke 1:67–80. Whether the songs are sacred or secular, Christmas is a singing season. In the Gospel of Luke, we read the original four Christmas songs: Mary’s “Magnficat” (1:46–56), Zechariah’s “Benedictus” (1:67–80), the angels’ “Gloria” (2:8–14), … Continue reading What Christ Redeems Us From and To | Luke 1:67-80
Today’s Scripture reading: Luke 1:57–66. In this passage, Zechariah emerges from nine months of silence with an important message. We will see what that important message is in a moment, but it might be helpful first to remember why … Continue reading Grace, Faith and Obedience | Luke 1:57-66
Today’s Scripture reading: Luke 1:46–56. As I wrote at the outset of this series, Christmas is a singing season. With today’s Scripture reading (Luke 1:46–56), we get to the first of the four songs Luke records. It has come … Continue reading Magnificat! | Luke 1:46-56
Today’s Scripture reading: Luke 1:39–45 In Luke 1:39–56, the stories of Elizabeth’s and Mary’s miraculous conceptions intertwine when the two women meet. They are relatives, it turns out, and what could be more natural than family members sharing good news? … Continue reading The Blessings of Believing | Luke 1:39-45
Today’s Scripture reading:Luke 1:26–38 Luke pairs the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1:5–25) with the story of Mary so that, among other things, we can compare and contrast them for our spiritual benefit. Let’s begin with the comparisons. In … Continue reading Responding to God with Simple Faith | Luke 1:26-38
Today’s Scripture reading: Luke 1:23–25 “You should be ashamed of yourself” is one of the most powerful combinations of words in the English language, both for good and for evil. At best, those six words shake people out of their … Continue reading The Antidote to Shame | Luke 1:23-25
Today’s Scripture reading: Luke 1:13–17 In Luke’s account of Christ’s birth, silence precedes singing. Zechariah and Elizabeth’s home was silent because they were childless. Zechariah’s mouth became silent because he doubted the angel’s good news. And Israel’s prophets were silent … Continue reading The Lord Is Gracious | Luke 1:13-17
Today’s Scripture reading: Luke 1:8–23 The singing season of Christmas begins in the silence of a childless home. It becomes even quieter with the doubts of Zechariah. While Zechariah is offering incense to God in the temple, an angel appears … Continue reading Struggling with Disappointment and Doubt | Luke 1:8-23
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