A Year in Luke/ActsNäide

The theme of light is a common one in Advent. In the midst of winter, we remember the light of the world. We quote verses like:

“The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2).

Imagine the people of Israel waiting for a promised Savior for so many years through famine, rebellion, and exile. All they had was their story to hold onto. It is easy to see why some of them let go and gave up on it. Luke wants us to feel all this as we begin his gospel account. This is the story that we have to hold on to. It is why we gather with other followers of Jesus every week: to live in this story. As we step into it, we have a choice: will we respond like Zechariah or Mary?

No matter what the year ahead holds, the Savior came in the first Advent. This story can help us live faithfully as we await his second advent. Let’s remember that as we gather with the Body of Christ.