Luke 1:1-4 (ESV)
[1] Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the
things that have been accomplished among us, [2] just as those who from the
beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to
us, [3] it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some
time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, [4]
that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
Apparently there had been several written records of Jesus doings and
teachings. Additionally the early Christians had those who were eye witnesses
who told the stories. As the church had grown and Jesus had not returned yet,
it only made sense to put down the narrative in writing for future believers. Luke
was a doctor, a believer, and a sometime companion of the Apostle Paul. He sought
to put together “an orderly account.” To do so he researched what had been
written and talked with the many eye witnesses including the apostles who were
still living. James had been martyred early on, but he would have had
opportunity to talk with Peter and John and others.
Luke’s gospel was specifically written for Theophilus. The name means “God
lover,” or “Lover of God.” Some have suggested that Theophilus is not a real
person, but a reference to all who are lovers of God. The name, however, was a
common name in their day. This particular Theophilus seems to be someone of social
status, perhaps in government. He is called “most excellent Theophilus,” a
reference of respect. Whoever Theophilus was, he clearly distributed Luke’s
writings to others in the church as they have been passed down to us today.
Two things should be noted as we reflect on this passage. First, this is not
a theological treatise supported by a fabricated story of Jesus’ life. It is a
carefully researched record of his life and teachings. Second, that means that
our faith is not built on a foundation of fictional stories intended to support
the church’s theology. Rather, our theology and our faith is built on the
foundation of an accurate record of Jesus life and teachings. It is true truth.
Christmas is coming quickly, and for many the Christmas Spirit is a welcome
change to the fear and anxiety of our day. But what is the Christmas Spirit? It
has come to mean so much that it has become almost meaningless. For some Christmas
is about trying to recreate some sort of homey, nostalgic feeling complete with
snow, sleighs, decorated trees, and presents. For others the Christmas Spirit
is about shopping, Christmas secrets, and surprises. For still others it is about
giving not receiving, family, food, friends. For Christians it might mean attending
a Christmas Eve service.
Every Christmas movie claims to tells us what the true spirit of Christmas
is. When Luke wrote this record of Jesus birth in the first chapter of his gospel,
he wasn’t thinking about Christmas Spirit. Most of what we have come to
associate with Christmas would have been completely unknown to Luke. For Luke
it was the story of the time when God became man.
It was a story worth recording accurately. It was a story worth telling because it was more than a story. It was the historical record of what really happened. As you are preparing for Christmas this year don’t let the “Christmas Spirit” overshadow the Christmas story. At a specific time in history God became man. He entered into our story so that we might be a part of his story. The birth record includes two miraculous births in specific family lines at a unique and specific time in history in order to lay the groundwork for the transformation of all creation. It began with an angel appearing to an old priest. The story continues today. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ as your personal savior, you are part of the story. The true Christmas Spirit is the story of a child born for the purpose of dying and raising from the dead so that any who might believe will have life eternal. May we never forget that truth.
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