Why does everyone tell the Christmas story from Luke—including Snoopy?
That’s what we’re going to explore today in Luke 1.
📖 A Gospel for Outsiders
Luke 1 doesn’t roll off the tongue quite like Matthew or Mark 1. And someday, I’ll have to say “Ecclesiastes 1”—that’s really not going to flow.
Let’s talk about Luke:
The oldest texts we have of this Gospel date from about 175 to 225 AD. The title “The Gospel According to Luke” was attached by the early church. Luke never names himself in the text, but we know he was a close companion of Paul. He’s called “our dear friend Luke, the doctor” in Colossians, and Paul mentions in 2 Timothy, “Only Luke is with me.” So Luke is tied tightly to the apostolic community.
Luke writes with sophisticated Greek, suggesting he was highly educated. As a physician and historian, his writing reflects research and care. His Gospel is part one of a two-part set—the sequel is Acts.
🧠 Who Was Theophilus?
Luke’s Gospel is addressed to someone named Theophilus, which means “lover of God.” Was this a real person, or just a symbolic name? Some scholars think it was a Roman patron. Others believe it’s a poetic way of saying, “This is for all who love God.” Luke calls him “most excellent Theophilus,” which might imply a person of status.
🌍 A Gospel for Everyone
Luke writes for Gentiles, people already following Jesus but not eyewitnesses. His Gospel is thorough and compassionate, showing:
- Jesus as the Savior of all people
- A focus on the poor, the outcast, and the overlooked
- That this story is for everyone—not just for Israel
Luke also uniquely features songs of praise. People break into joyful worship—Zachariah, Mary, and later Simeon and the angels.
🕯️ Zechariah, Elizabeth, and the Angel
Luke opens during the reign of Herod the Great with a priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, both from priestly families. They were righteous and blameless—but childless and elderly.
While Zechariah serves in the temple, he is chosen by lot to burn incense. Suddenly, the angel Gabriel appears by the altar.
Zechariah is terrified (angels always seem to cause that reaction!), but Gabriel tells him:
“Do not be afraid. Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear a son, and you will call him John.”
This child will be filled with the Holy Spirit—even before birth. He will go before the Lord “in the spirit and power of Elijah” to prepare people for the coming of the Messiah.
Zechariah asks, “How can I be sure? I’m old, and so is my wife.”
Gabriel responds:
“I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God. Because you did not believe, you will be silent until these things happen.”
Zechariah comes out of the temple mute. The people realize he’s seen a vision. Later, Elizabeth becomes pregnant and keeps it quiet for five months. She praises God for removing her “reproach among the people.”
👑 Meanwhile, in Nazareth…
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Gabriel visits a young woman in Nazareth: Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph. He greets her:
“Greetings, O favored one. The Lord is with you.”
Mary is troubled. But Gabriel tells her she will bear a son named Jesus, the Son of the Most High, who will inherit the throne of David and reign forever.
Mary asks, “How can this be? I’m a virgin.”
Gabriel explains:
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you… and the child will be called holy—the Son of God.”
He adds, “Even your relative Elizabeth, in her old age, is pregnant. Nothing is impossible with God.”
And Mary responds with incredible faith:
“I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word.”
🤰 Mary Visits Elizabeth
Mary visits Elizabeth in the hill country. When she arrives, John the Baptist leaps in Elizabeth’s womb. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and says:
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why is it granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
Elizabeth recognizes who Jesus is before he is even born. Her support must have been such a comfort for Mary.
🎶 Mary’s Song (The Magnificat)
Then Mary bursts into a song of praise:
“My soul magnifies the Lord…”
This is the Magnificat—a hymn of humility, justice, and awe. It echoes the Psalms and God’s promises to Abraham. Mary praises God for lifting the humble and filling the hungry.
You reflected on the word “fear” here—how it’s better understood as awe or reverence. And you’re absolutely right: God doesn’t want us afraid of him—He wants us afraid to be without Him.
👶 John the Baptist Is Born
Elizabeth gives birth, and everyone wants to name the baby after Zechariah. But Zechariah, still mute, writes: “His name is John.”
Immediately, his speech returns. The people are amazed. “What will this child be?” they ask.
🎶 Zechariah’s Song (The Benedictus)
Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaims another song:
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people…”
He speaks of God’s covenant with Abraham, deliverance, and light breaking into the darkness. It’s a prophecy of hope, salvation, and peace.
🏞 John Grows Up
Luke 1 ends:
“The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.”
John’s wilderness years prepare him for his calling. Since his parents were elderly, we assume he went there after their passing.
