How long has it been since you read the entire gospel of Luke? Has this Advent season offered an opportunity to familiarize yourself again with this account of Jesus’ life?
Christmas is not a happy season for everyone. For some, the holiday brings thoughts of a loved one who died in December. Or perhaps it involves memories of a difficult season when money was tight and gifts were sparse. Trying to celebrate against such a backdrop can be challenging. There is a mixture of joy and pain.
In Luke 17, the Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God would arrive. No doubt they looked forward to the day when Jews would no longer be subjects under Roman rule. A Roman soldier could command a Jew to carry his 60-70 pounds of gear. Jews had to pay exorbitant taxes to Caesar. When God’s kingdom would arrive, however, they expected everything would be set to right.
Jesus, in private, told his disciples that Day of the Lord would not be full of joy. First, the Son of Man would have to suffer. As in the days of Noah, there would be destruction. As in the days of Sodom, fire and brimstone would fall from heaven. Some would be taken and others left behind. The Kingdom of God will bring not only joy but tears and difficult times too.
That very first Christmas in the stable saw celebration with angels and shepherds. Later, magi arrived with gifts. However, Herod would soon threaten to kill all male infants 2 years old and under. Mary and Joseph would flee to Egypt. Good times and bad.
May your heart fill with joy at Jesus’ birth, but may the Lord also prepare you for whatever trials that may arise in the new year.
(BTW: The parable of the exhausted slave serving his master that appears in this chapter is yet another story found only in Luke’s gospel!)
