In the last several months, I have received phone calls from various businesses asking for Chris Hayes. Somehow “Chris” or whoever he is has been giving my number when he looks for houses, cars, vacations, etc. The salespeople who call me are quite apologetic because their expectation is to talk to Chris about their product and instead they get me. In many ways people’s thoughts about Christianity and Jesus in particular can be like this, people think they know who he is, but Jesus ends up being completely different than their expectation. Our study of Luke is helping us know who Jesus is more clearly, so as you prepare for Sunday, ask yourself who you think Jesus is. In preparation I’d invite you to read Luke 9:1-27.

What does faith mean, especially when we are in seasons of suffering? We continue our journey through Luke's gospel and encounter two daughters in trouble and the profound compassion, power, and hope of Jesus. 

This week, we conclude Luke’s narrative of Jesus’ birth. Jesus is a boy, lost in the temple. But then again, he isn’t lost. He is exactly where he is meant to be. Come, expectant and with open hearts as we expand our understanding and love of our dear LORD Jesus. We need him in the new year, more than ever.

Tidings of comfort and joy? Yes, absolutely. That’s what Advent teaches us. But also, tidings that he will come again—Second Advent—to finish what he started. Simeon’s Song shows us both sides of Christmas. O come, O come, Emmanuel! 

The birth of Jesus couldn’t have come at a worse time. Mary was expecting her baby to be Son of the Most High (Luke 1:32)!! But under the shadow of the empire, she and Joseph find themselves in an awkward, precarious position of having the baby amongst the animals in backwater Bethlehem. As we find ourselves in moments of bad timing - situations out of control, in chaos and pain, we discover that there is precisely where Jesus, the Son of God meets us. This is the wonderful piece of the puzzle that unveils the splendor of the good news for us and our world.

Puzzles are always a popular choice for presents at Christmas. Luke has given us his own Christmas puzzle in Luke 1:67-80, though its puzzling nature only becomes apparent when we read further on in his gospel. We will see why the passage remains puzzling in our own day.

On this second Sunday of Advent, we explore Mary's song of praise after being told of her role in the birth of the Messiah, famously known as the Magnificat. This passage invites us to consider alongside Mary the incredible acts of God and allow this to lead us to heartfelt worship!

We wake up this morning to our first Sunday in Advent as we remember Jesus’s birth and look forward to his return. As you prepare read Luke 1:1-25 and consider what was news for Zechariah and Elizabeth and what changed for all of us because of their news.

Luke has showed us our Lord and Savior as the compassionate healer, Lord of the Sabbath, Son of David, and God’s mighty prophet. And for the past few weeks we have seen him as “pantocrator.” That’s an old word that means “all-powerful.” He rules over the deep, disease, death, and demons. This week’s story shows Jesus casting out a legion of demons. That’s our Lord! Prepare your heart and mind to hear about the power of Jesus, pantocrator.

How does a forgiven sinner respond? With much love - because forgiveness leads to love. That's what Simon the Pharisee didn't understand when he saw the sinful (or so he thought) woman's lavish acts of love towards Jesus. We'll walk through the passage in Luke 7:36-50 by asking three questions:

1. Who is she?

2. Who is He? 

3. Who are you?