Saint Luke

Luke was a doctor by trade, and an evangelist by fate. Contained within this gospel we see how much care to detail was taken in transcribing this gospel. A good deal research and energy were put into the minute details of this gospel. This can be attributed to the fact that he was a physician. His attention to detail was so great that his gospel contains Luke's gospel contains 14 of the 20 miracles the gospels contain, moreover they contain all the parables in the gospels. Luke's gospel was aimed at to Theophilus and Gentiles.

Luke's sources in writing this gospel were eyewitnesses to the life of Christ. It cannot be anymore apparent then is the first four versus in Luke "1 Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, 3 I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received."

When many people think of the story of the birth of Christ, many of us link passages contained in two of the gospels to create one large story. Many of us, by habit, blend the stories contained in Luke, and Matthew together. The book of Luke contains more information on the infancy narratives then the others.

The infancy narratives in Luke are possibly one of the greatest gospels because it contains. The foretelling of John, his birth, and youth, the canticles of Mary and Elizabeth, the nativity of Christ, the visits from the shepherds, circumcision, facts of Christ's childhood are all contained in the infancy narratives. Additionally this account encloses 4 major hymns.

What is interesting to note is that the birth of John resembles the birth of Isaac in that Abraham and Sarah were older. Elizabeth, John's mother is barren in her old age, after countless prayers from her, and her husband Zechariahs she finally becomes pregnant through the power of God. They know that this birth is a gift to them because the Angel Gabriel announced the birth to Zechariahs while he was praying in the altar. They know that John will be the forerunner and prepare the way for Christ.

Six months afterward, Archangel Gabriel announces to St. Mary that she will conceive and bare a Son. But then Mary questions how this is possible since she knows not man, "And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God."1:35 These two annunciations pave the way for the birth of Christ and will bring many people to back to God.

Mary then goes to visit Elizabeth and help her while she is pregnant. Once the two meet the babe in Elizabeth's womb leaps. We then hear one of the four great songs, The Magnificat. This song shows the compassion and holiness of God. Also it made it clear for the disciples in the church that Jesus is their savior and messiah "46 And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior.48 For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.49 The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.50 His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.51 He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.52 He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly.53 The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.54 He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy,55 according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever." 1:46-55 Mary's song strongly resembles the declaration of Hannah mother of Samuel the prophet.

Shortly after this we take notice of the Benedictus (canticle) of Zechariah. 67 Then Zechariah his father, filled with the holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:68 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people.69 He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant,70 even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old:71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,72 to show mercy to our fathers and to be mindful of his holy covenant73 and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father, and to grant us that,74 rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.76 And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and death's shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace." 1:67-79

The Narrative then goes to Bethlehem where the couple must take part in the survey decreed by Caesar Augustus. Joseph and Mary are in Bethlehem for the reason that Joseph is a descendant of King David. While in the city the Virgin Mary gives birth to Jesus in a manger for the reason that there is no room in the inn. It is important to note that this location of Christ's birth differs from Matthew's in that according to Matthew's Christ was born in a family home.

Christ is visited by Shepherd's who were told by an angel's song that today Christ their savior was born in the city of David. This song is called The Gloria in Excelsis" 14 "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." This is interesting that the shepherds visited because David himself was a shepherd and therefore people came to the conclusion that Jesus is the good shepherd from this. His humble birth and visitations from people of lower social status show that the Lord accepts anyone.

Lastly Luke contains the story of the blessing of Jesus by Simeon. This fourth and final song in the infancy narrative is called the "Nunc Dimittis". 29 "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word,30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel."33 The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted35 (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of