Dec 24 = Luke 24

It seems like everyone "important" was given their own personal reinforcement and demonstration that Jesus had risen from the dead.  Why was this necessary? They were told what was to come by a very reliable source.

When two disciples encountered the risen Christ on the road they were made to not see who he really was.  This led to them breaking bread again, this is when the veil was lifted from their eyes.  Even still he then appeared before all of them... again asking for something to eat.

I see this as a powerful reminder to celebrate and break bread together in remembrance of Him.  Further it reminds me of Matthew 7:9 - if a son asked for bread would you give him a stone?  Just as Jesus asked for food, we may ask for His presence and spiritual food - and we would not be denied.

Dec 23 = Luke 23

You notice Pilate didn't want anything to do with what went down.  He didn't find cause and was probably excited to hand him off to Herod, and wash his hands of any guilt.

I can imagine his exasperation when Jesus was sent back to him, again found not guilty, but the crowds kept calling for action.  Have politics changed since then?  Nope. I am pretty sure the left or the right (whichever side you are not on - I am trying to keep my own politics out of this message) would have demanded for crucifixion still today.

Note that Jesus' presence brought peace between the two (Herod and Pilate).  I don't believe this was something to be read lightly in this chapter, although it reads like an aside.  THIS however does not seem to happen today - bringing opposing politics together.  All the more reason we need to pray for the guidance of our elected officials - whether you like them or not, especially if you don't.

Dec 22 = Luke 22

Today we read about the last supper and betrayal of Jesus.

What my mind thinks about are the people and their salvation. Do you think Peter is in heaven?  We read that Satan entered him.  We also read that he went and bitterly wept when he recalled Jesus' words and recognized what he had done.  I feel like it was this moment that Satan fled.  Clearly Peter was in an altered state of mind.

What about the guard whose ear was cut off and healed back in place by Jesus as he took him prisoner? Can you imagine what was going through his head?  What about the conversation he had with his wife when he got home that night? Where do you think his heart was after all of those events took place?

Dec 21 = Luke 21

As a child I remember reading pamphlets that told of signs of the end times, they referenced Padre Pio, I believe they were things he relayed that reflect some of this chapter. Goodness how they scared me.

Earthquakes. Famine. Pestilence (disease/epidemics). Signs from heaven in the sky. But scariest of all - persecution. This chapter even tells us that people will faint from terror.

The faithful should be confident and fearless, right? As we read here we are to stand up and lift our heads because our redemption is drawing near. I'm not fearless at the thought, I admit my trepidation. This makes me worry about my faith.

If Peter was so foolish as to deny Christ three times having stood beside Him and knowing Him personally, How would I not question my own fortitude at the thought of persecution? Fear is not from God, so I know where these thoughts are coming from.

We must pray for strength, courage, and wisdom in all things. I know that God will prepare us.

Dec 20 = Luke 20

Repeatedly Jesus was set up. He was asked questions that required the most careful replies. They tried to trap Him with the very truth that He had dwelling within Him. Notice though that at no point did Jesus ever lie. He continued to speak truth without ever falling into their snares.

Much like Jesus was tested so too are traps set to ensnare us by the devil. Unfortunately, we're not Jesus - on our own we cannot always see these traps or resist those temptations.

Have you ever pondered the words to the "Our Father" prayer? Why are we taught to say "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil", the last of seven petitions in the prayer? It is because we cannot do this on our own. The devil is crafty and clever. He will use his knowledge of the bible to twist God's word and he never rests his watchful eye.

When we separate our minds from God and refuse to allow Him to be a guiding part of our daily lives (this includes His presence in school and the workplace) we make ourselves vulnerable. We need His constant presence, hence we are to pray without ceasing, both for our mental well being and for our spiritual protection.

Dec 19 = Luke 19

Here we have the parable where a rich man gave 10 coins to ten of his servants and went away. When he returned he called them forth to see how much interest they had gained him. The first doubled it to 20 and was thus put in charge of 10 cities. The next gained 50% (5 more) and he was given 5 cities to run. Another returned only the 10 coins saying he hid them away because he was afraid of the man.

On one hand I think the last guy is lying, he invested it too but was trying to keep the earnings for himself. On the other hand, maybe he did hide it away to avoid losing the coins.
Either way the message of doing well with what you're entrusted will ensure you are granted more is valid.

This message holds true not just with money, but every aspect of life. Did someone trust you with their heart? Their feelings/secrets? Has God given you a talent or gift that you're hoarding away instead of using it to multiply his kingdom?

Dec 18 = Luke 18

The pharisee went to pray saying "thank you that I am not like the other sinners" and he went on to beat his breast about the things he does that are good and right. The tax collector went to pray saying "God, have mercy on me, a sinner".

Does God know the good actions we take? Does he know the thoughts in our minds? Does he not see all of our rights and wrongs? Does he not know your heart? Does he not know your needs and worries?

Your prayers aren't telling God anything he doesn't already know. Your prayers are very telling though of how aware you are of who you really are.

Are your prayers mostly about you? Do your prayers focus on your needs or do they also express gratitude for the blessings already bestowed upon you? Do you take the time to reflect on your failures and sin or do they read like a resume, like the pharisee's?