Series: The Call of Christmas
Message: The Call to Prepare & Provide 
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 38:9-14.

Read: Luke 1:1-38 — As you read in the ESV translation, note 1-3 insights/questions that arise. 

Reflect: The Gospel of Luke is the longest book in the Second Testament, followed quickly by the book of Acts. Not surprisingly they are both written by the medical doctor, Luke, who later became a close companion of the apostle Paul (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4:11). Paul, of course we know, has written the majority of the Second Testament. Both of these men were inspired by God to share insights to the Gospel application. Luke gives us a quick insight into his Gospel account with this lovely summary found at the start of Acts: 

“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:1-3, ESV)

This is the same Theophilus that Luke referred to in the opening of his Gospel. We are pretty certain that Theophilus was a fake name. That Luke was protecting this high government official’s identity. That Luke probably saved Theophilus’s life by introducing him to Jesus. As a result Theophilus was the donor who we believe paid for the Gospel of Luke and Acts to be published, to provide as the Bible records: “Certainty conceding the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:4 ESV)

Recalibrate: 

1. As you prepare for Christmas, what are you responsible for and what should you take responsibility for? 

Respond: Pray for patience.

Research: Explore Christmas traditions from your family.