Merry Christmas Eve,
Read Luke 24
Here we are, at the end of Luke, at the end of our Advent journey. Thanks for journeying with me through this! I hope it has been as fruitful and meaningful for you as it has been for me. How has this road through Luke been for you this Advent season in preparing you for the birth of our Lord and Savior tonight?
I always joke when I read Luke 24 and the account of Jesus on the road to Emmaus, opening the scriptures to the two disciples and then to the 11 back in Jerusalem that I would have loved to been part of this Bible study. And yet, I’m sure we’ve seen some evidence of this Bible study throughout our study of Luke as the disciples taught and reflected on what Jesus opened to them.
As I think about this chapter in light of our Christmas story, I am reminded that Luke opens and closes with angels. I am reminded that Luke opens and closes with God doing the unexpected. I am reminded that we are now witnesses of all these things and are called to treasure them in our hearts like Mary, as well as tell them to others, like the shepherds.
What insights and reflections do you have as you think about the last 24 days? What insights and reflections do you have about the resurrection in light of Jesus’ birth? What insights and reflections do you have about Jesus’ birth in light of the resurrection? What is your soul experiencing as you hold these two stories together today?
May your eyes and minds be opened by Jesus and his Spirit, and may your hearts burn within you with God’s love. May Jesus stay with you and be part of your celebrations tonight and tomorrow, and as you gather with family and friends over the next few days.
May you have the great joy promised by the angels in Luke 2, and experienced by the disciples in Luke 24, as you give praise and glory to God for the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus!
Love and Joy and Merry Christmas!
Matt
P.S. Here is the link to the final Luke video from the Bible Project: https://youtu.be/Vb24Lk1Oh5M