This is the reading from Luke 19 in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Good News of Great Joy reading guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Luke 19 reveals Jesus as the Savior who seeks the lost, the King who rewards faithfulness, and the Judge who brings both peace and judgment. As we prepare for Advent, let us reflect on these truths:

As we prepare for Christmas, may we, like Zacchaeus, respond to Christ’s call with repentance, faith, and joyful obedience. Let us celebrate the King who brings salvation and peace to all who believe.

You can find the written version of today's reading, complete with footnotes and commentary summaries, here.

In this special Christmas episode of our Refresh & Restore Bible study, we explore the stories of five women mentioned in Jesus's genealogy in Matthew 1:1-17: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary.

Despite their brokenness, these women's lives are marked by God's grace and redemption, showing us how He weaves His perfect plan through imperfect people. Their stories remind us of the hope and salvation found in Jesus, the Savior who came to seek and save the lost.

Join us as we trace the scarlet thread of grace and redemption through history, pointing us to the greatest gift of all: Jesus Himself.

You can find the written version of this Bible study -- complete with footnotes and cross-references -- here.

This is the reading from Luke 18 in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Good News of Great Joy reading guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Luke 18 emphasizes persistence in prayer, humility in seeking God, and faithfulness in following Christ—lessons especially relevant during Advent. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s first coming and await His return, we are reminded to:

1.    Pray Without Ceasing: Like the persistent widow, we are to bring our requests to God with confidence and faith in Him.

2.    Humble Ourselves Before God: The tax collector’s prayer shows us that God values a repentant heart over outward religious acts.

3.    Approach God Like a Child: Advent calls us to renew our childlike faith, trusting in God’s grace and provision.

4.    Follow Christ Fully: The rich ruler’s reluctance warns us against clinging to earthly possessions. Let us remember that Christ is our greatest treasure.

This Advent, may we echo the blind beggar’s cry, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” and live with gratitude for the abundant blessings we have received through Him.

You can find the written version of today's reading, complete with footnotes and commentary summaries, here.

This is the reading from Luke 17 in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Good News of Great Joy reading guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Luke 17 challenges us to live with faith, humility, and readiness for Christ’s return. During Advent, as we await the celebration of Christ’s first coming and look forward to His second, we are reminded to extend forgiveness, grow in faith, and remain steadfast in our service to Him. The healing of the ten lepers encourages us to cultivate gratitude, recognizing that every blessing is a gift from God. Like the Samaritan, let us return to Christ with thankful hearts.
Finally, Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of God calls us to examine our priorities and live expectantly for His return. This Advent season, may we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, ready for His Kingdom, and faithful in every good work He has entrusted to us.

You can find the written version of today's reading, complete with footnotes and commentary summaries, here.

This is the reading from Luke 16 in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Good News of Great Joy reading guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Luke 16 challenges us to consider how we use our earthly resources and prepare for eternity. As we anticipate Christ’s coming during Advent, let us reflect on what it means to be faithful stewards of the time, possessions, and relationships God has entrusted to us. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus reminds us to care for others and focus on what has eternal value rather than fleeting wealth.

This Advent season, may we strive to serve God wholeheartedly, using what He has given us to glorify Him and bless others. Let us also take comfort in the assurance that Christ’s Kingdom offers lasting joy and reward for those who remain faithful.

You can find the written version of today's reading, complete with footnotes and commentary summaries, here.

This is the reading from Luke 15 in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Good News of Great Joy reading guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Luke 15 reveals the heart of God toward sinners—a heart full of compassion, mercy, and rejoicing. As we prepare for Christmas, these parables remind us of God’s relentless pursuit of the lost and His joy when they return to Him. The shepherd, the woman, and the father represent God’s care for every sinner, no matter how far they have strayed.

You can find the written version of today's reading, complete with footnotes and commentary summaries, here.

This is the reading from Luke 14 in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Good News of Great Joy reading guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Luke 14 reminds us of God’s gracious invitation to His Kingdom and the humility and sacrifice required to follow Christ. The parable of the banquet is a picture of the generosity of God, who welcomes the outcast and undeserving to His table. As we prepare for Christmas, may we reflect on the cost of discipleship and respond to God’s call with humble hearts, knowing that Christ humbled Himself to bring us salvation. Let us invite others to share in the joy of the Kingdom and commit ourselves fully to the One who gave everything for us!

You can find the written version of today's reading, complete with footnotes and commentary summaries, here.

This is the reading from Luke 13 in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Good News of Great Joy reading guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Luke 13 reminds us of the urgency of repentance and the boundless grace of God, who gives opportunities to bear fruit and enter His kingdom. Jesus’ healing of the crippled woman and His lament over Jerusalem reveal His compassion and desire for restoration. During Advent, may we examine our hearts, turn from sin, and embrace the hope of the Kingdom, remembering that Christ’s coming brings both salvation and a call to faithful discipleship.

You can find the written version of today's reading, complete with footnotes and commentary summaries, here.

This is the reading from Luke 12 in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Good News of Great Joy reading guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Luke 12 reminds us to live with eternity in mind, trusting God’s care and seeking His Kingdom above all else. Jesus challenges us to examine where our treasure lies and to remain faithful, prepared for His return. This Advent, as we reflect on Christ’s first coming, may we embrace His call to fearless faith and faithful stewardship, fixing our hearts on eternal treasures and the hope of His promised return.

You can find the written version of today's reading, complete with footnotes and commentary summaries, here.

This is the reading from Luke 11 in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Good News of Great Joy reading guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Luke 11 calls us to persistent, faith-filled prayer and wholehearted obedience to God’s Word. Jesus’ authority over evil and His challenge to spiritual vigilance remind us to guard our hearts and align ourselves with His kingdom. His rebuke of hollow religion directs us to true holiness—a life transformed by God’s grace. This Advent, let us seek God with sincerity, trust His provision, and reflect His light in the world.

You can find the written version of today's reading, complete with footnotes and commentary summaries, here.