"Luke's Infancy Narrative"

“Luke’s Infancy Narrative”

An artistic production of Luke with seven scenes appearing as a sacred stage play.

 Excerpted from Sacra Pagina (Sacred Page) of Luke

Incident                                          Departure                                          Song
Zechariah/Elizabeth                         and he went to his home                     none
Annunciation to Mary                       angel departed                                   none
Visitation                                        Mary returned home                           Mary’s Magnificat
Baptist’s Birth                                 He was in the wilderness                     Zechariah’s Benedictus
Jesus’ Birth                                     Shepherds returned                            Angel’s song
Circumcision/Presentation                they returned to Galilee                      Simeon’s song
Loss/finding in the temple                he went down with them                     none

Lk. 1: 1-20;  Lk. 1: 26-38;  Lk. 1:39-56;  Lk. 1: 57-80;  Lk. 2: 1-20;  Lk. 2: 21-40;  Lk. 2: 41-52

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:  the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.”   (Is. 7: 14). 

A prophecy of the birth of Jesus, a time God has appointed to redeem the world from apostasy and unbelief that He, the Lord of Hosts, desires to save mankind through His Son’s Redemptive act of Sacrifice.  

Let us move forward in history and see now that God is going to give humanity one last opportunity to believe in that series of events wherein we may find ourselves on the receiving end of God’s Grace working through us.

The Angel Gabriel appears to Mary announcing she will be the Mother of God, through her Son Immanuel.  I doubt anyone has seen an angel appearing to us with a message.  However, God does reach each of us in varied ways.  We may not understand immediately our charge in life, but if open to God’s plan for us the goal planned may become fruitful when like Mary’s acceptance when say yes!  

Are you ready to follow the task God has given you gifts to accomplish?  This is Advent and when one becomes open to whatever the Lord has handed you He will be the guide directing the steps needed.  The task may not have anything to do with Spiritual events, but in the secular world there are people who need guidance which is spiritual itself.

You may not sing or shout with a Canticle at your acceptance to adhere to the call of God, but with the Holy Spirit living in you those under your charge will make headway through life as you carry the message of God in the manner of obedience.  

 As many came to give Glory to the Christ Child so will many unseen or known by you through attrition from the goodness chosen by your YES fall upon them.  This can be an Advent from your acceptance.

Ralph B. Hathaway, Advent 2021