Advent Readings: Luke 2

Luke 2

This chapter can be divided into 6 portions:

a. 2:1-7, Birth of Jesus

a’. 2:8-20, Shepherds “check out” the birth of Jesus

  b. 2:21, circumcision of Jesus

    c. 2:22-38, Jesus was presented at the Temple

      d. 2:39-40, Return to Nazaret

    c’. 2:41-50, 12^th year-old Jesus in the Temple

      d’. 2:51-52, Return to Nazaret

Three things as an observation:

The first two are related to our liturgical practices. The great angelic hymn Gloria in excelsis (Lk. 2:14) is a part of our regular weekly worship. Glory to God in the highest begins the Service of the Word. That’s a signal (for those who care) that the story of Jesus is about to be re-told – our Divine service settings follow the Gospel outline pointing to Crucifixion by singing Agnus Dei (the Lamb of God), and Resurrection (Nunc Dimittis, see later) and concluding Benediction as a representation of the Ascension. Jesus is the One Who brings peace to earth which results in a pleasure of fellowship among the men.

I already mentioned the next liturgical piece of inheritance found in this chapter – Nunc Dimittis. “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace…” – a beginning of Simeon’s song (Lk. 2:29-32). Looks like he was an old man – he won’t see death until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah (Lk.2:26). And the fact that he is eager to go to the Lord (through death waiting for the resurrection of the Messiah) supports his advance in years. We sing this hymn at the end of the Eucharistic service. As Simeon who saw salvation with his own eyes (Lk. 2:30), we see salvation with our own eyes given to us in a form of the Lord’s Supper (cp. SC VI:3).

Third comment relates to another person who met Jesus’ family in the Temple. The prophetess Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe Asher (Lk. 2:36a). What is interesting about this statement is the fact of mentioning the tribe of Asher. Most of us don’t know much about the tribe. For these descendants didn’t provide Israel with great kings, or priest, or prophets. Actually, as a part of Northern Kingdom they were captured by the Assyrian Empire. Usually, here begins the theology of 10 lost tribes. Yet, according to the Gospel of Luke the tribe was not destroyed – she lived long passed the Assyrian and Babylonian exile, restoration of the Kingdom, and now she is facing the baby Jesus – Incarnate Messiah. After all, it’s all about Him.