stephengardner

Who is this? That’s what the disciples are asking.  That’s what the people are asking? Who is this? Someone who teaches with authority! Someone who can still a storm! Someone who can raise the dead! Who is this? What do you say?  

Who are the sort of people that Jesus chooses to spend time with? Well – the sort of people you wouldn’t want to spend time with! What does that say about you, Him and them? Hmmmm!

Jesus begins to teach and his message is the more radical than anyone before or since. Love your Enemies – Blessed are the Poor – Do not judge It’s simple – but not easy!

“Follow Me!” That’s the whole message of Luke in two words – Follow Jesus. He’s the one! He changes lives! He cares about the outcast! He forgives sinners! And this isn’t about adopting Religion – It’s about Following Him!

Tempted – by the devil himself, to give up on God’s plan and take the easy way out Rejected – by his own hometown, when he set out God’s plan to bring Good News to the poor Releases – others from the devil’s power –

Cousins!  I sometimes forget that John and Jesus were cousins.  They MUST have spent time together as children – surely. When Mary learned she was pregnant through the Holy Spirit she went STRAIGHT to Elizabeth’s house – so it seems very likely that whilst they

Hang on – it’s a bit early for Shepherds and Mangers isn’t it?  It’s only the second of December! Well, yes, but our journey STARTS with Jesus’ Birth – journey’s end is 33 years of story away!

So instead of Chocolate, Gin or Lego this advent why not read or listen to Luke’s account of the life of Jesus. There are 24 chapters – one for each day of Advent – read all 24 and you’ll wake up on Christmas Day knowing