Advent Challenge Luke Chapter 1

Despite numerous attempts to record Jesus’ story, Luke is commissioned to record as complete a message as he can. His sponsor, Theophilus, has apparently heard the message, but Luke wishes to confirm to him everything he has heard.

In this first chapter we have the announcements of two babies - first Gabriel tells Zachariah that his wife Sarah will become pregnant, despite the circumstances and the fact that they are both elderly, or at least past the normal age for having children. All this echoes the announcement to Abraham that his wife would become pregnant despite being 99 years old. While Abraham would become the father of the nation, Sarah’s son was destined to become a great prophet, preparing the way for the Messiah.

The announcement to Mary that she would become pregnant with God’s son is traditionally the start of the “Nativity Story”, yet the two women and their sons cannot be told as separate miracles - their connection is clearly felt when Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, and her unborn son leaps for joy at the presence of Mary’s child. When John is born, both parents are pressured into naming him after his father - but they both argue that his name MUST be John, following God’s command.

Mary’s song of praise and Zechariah’s prophecy in this chapter reflect their faith and desire to serve God - no matter what pressures are put upon them from society! Oh that we had that same faith in our lives today!

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