Thank you for staying with me all through Advent. We are reading Luke 23, and Christmas is only two days away!
This chapter describes Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. Trumped-up charges, a weak judge, angry Jewish leaders, and a mocking mob. And a quiet, calm Savior busy rescuing his people. Could anyone among us ever ignore such pain, spikes biting the tender flesh of our wrists and ankles? Even if we could overcome the pain, could we share the good news of the gospel under such circumstances? Yet, Jesus speaks of salvation to the thief hanging next to him. All Jesus’ life has led up to this moment. “I entrust my spirit into your hands.” His life, his blood…the best Christmas gift ever.
In 23:44, just before Jesus died, Luke describes how the sky darkened and the sun was obscured for three hours. The veil in the Temple ripped from the top to the bottom. Jesus died at noon, when the sun was at its zenith, yet there was darkness. And a chapter later, in the final chapter of Luke, an earthquake marked the moment of his resurrection.
The heavens also spoke when Jesus came into the world. At his birth, shepherds in a field saw a multitude of angels in the sky. Later, an unusual star guided magi through 800 miles of desert to the town of Bethlehem. All nature testified to the birth and death of our Savior.
Nature spoke without words. You and I can use words to speak of those events. Whom will you tell about the birth and death of Jesus this season?
