Saturday, January 12, 2013

42 Steps Ahead: Day 2

Day 2: Luke 2 (Jesus As a Child)

Luke 2 gives us the details of the Christmas story. Then we get the only glimpse of Jesus as a child in this chapter. His childhood has always been a mystery since none of the four writers of Jesus’ life (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) provide very much information.
What we do see in this chapter is Jesus astounding everyone even from an early age. It wasn’t a dazzling miracle that was so amazing; it was how much He knew about spirituality and the words of God. Even as a young boy, Jesus was revealing His identity as God’s Son.

Cliffnotes


                Jesus is born, shepherds come by, Simeon and Anna praise God, Jesus gets left behind.

My Thoughts


               Having grown up a Lutheran, I recognize the first bit straightaway. Lutheran Christmas services are identical regardless of church, it seems. There is a pamphlet passed out that has the game plan printed in it. You follow along as they recite scripture, sing specific songs, and finally light candles. When the angel converses with the shepherds it is very nostalgic of my childhood and these Lutheran services.

                In relation to Day 1, I find the Christmas story curious. I know there has to be some consequence to the details it chooses to provide. Why is the manger notable? Why do the shepherds need to be in the story? And why does it keep expressing Mary was treasuring everything that happened? Also, I have not read the Old Testament so I cannot be sure, but are sacrifices not used to forgive sin? Why would they need to sacrifice for Jesus since he was sinless? Why does God include Simeon and Anna in this story? Why does Jesus seem to be rebellious to his parents?

                Really this chapter offers more questions than answers to me. However, maybe it is just a narrative rather than a message; to know Jesus further by what occurred than to give any distinctive direction. Also, it seems God fulfilled the promises he made in this story. What promises has he made for us? Truly, he will keep them.

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