The Sunday before Christmas 1991 dawned bright and crisp, and our city was a glistening Christmas card after Saturday’s snow storm. Noisy snow squeaked underfoot as I trudged hurriedly to the entrance of the church. I was the worship leader and running late. I had dawdled way too long at home, mulling over whether or … More Five First Christmases
I wonder what Mary was thinking, lying there in a stall for animals, about to give birth. The birthing story we have imagined might not be perfectly accurate, but this westerner has always envisioned it thus: No helping women around, no doula, no midwife. Just Joseph. And the smell of fresh hay mixed with the … More “How did I get here?”
Does it feel both odd and appropriate that we should be reading this chapter on Christmas Eve? Odd, perhaps, in the midst of our preparations for the celebration of Jesus’ birthday, but wonderful that, at the same time, we can rejoice in his victory over death. After this journey we have been on with Jesus … More Luke 24: A New Chapter
This time of Jesus’ life has been the subject of wondrous art forms through centuries, and presented on screen by various production companies in recent decades. It is his walk through the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Suffering, to Golgotha. As we look back on the scene as written here, we might easily overlook one … More Luke 23: When it is Dry
We are at the beginning of the end of Jesus ministry on earth. It is the turning point of history and of the relationship between God and Man, and a fulfillment, of sorts, of Simeon’s prayer of praise in the temple so long ago. There is so much here—what makes for greatness, the foretelling of … More Luke 22: The Beginning
If you’ve already read this chapter, you’ll understand why this is the most difficult to write about, up to this point, at least. They were in the temple again, and after someone spoke about its beautiful stones and gifts, Jesus responded, I believe, in order to initiate a discussion about what certainly would happen in … More Luke 21: Your Redemption
Jesus was teaching in the temple again that day, and preaching the gospel. The chief priests, scribes and elders came up to him, questioning him about who gave him the authority to “do these things.” It’s not clear if “these things” meant, simply, teaching the people who listened with rapt attention, or if it included … More Luke 20: The Debates
We get closer to Bethlehem as Christmas Day draws near, and Jesus is getting closer to Jerusalem. In reading through today’s chapter, we can see some of what is on his heart and mind. As he passes through Jericho, Jesus looks up at a man sitting on a branch of a sycamore tree, obviously watching … More Luke 19: The Seeker
We are less than a week away from Christmas, and no doubt quite taken up with all of the preparations for the day. Gifts have been bought, cookies are being made, homes are glowing. And we are still on our journey with Doctor Luke as he writes to the most excellent Theophilus his “orderly account” … More Luke 18: The Woman, the Judge and the Beggar
Can I say that this chapter was a challenge? In previous chapters I have noticed an overriding theme that shed light on some things that have been obscure, to me, at least, in the past. That’s probably why I have enjoyed this journey so much, and enjoyed sharing my “Aha!” moments with you. This one … More Luke 17: Looking Ahead
Jesus knows something about life, and how we handle it. He spoke to his disciples and others about it, often in parables. I wish I could tell you what the first parable in this chapter is talking about when it says the dishonest, steward should “make friends by unrighteous wealth” so they will be his … More Luke 16: Honour and Faithfulness
There’s something about the red words that draws me in—and this chapter is all in red. It’s Jesus talking. All red, that is, except for the usual prelude setting the scene, telling us the actors. Telling us who is listening and learning, and who is listening but not learning a thing. The tax collectors and … More Luke 15: Priceless
FAY ROWE 
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