Luke-Acts attests to the connection of the movements of John the Baptist and Jesus to ancient Jewish hopes of sabbatical redemption.
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Sanctus and Gloria
Professor David Flusser investigates the Jewish background of the angel’s song to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest….”
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The Census of Quirinius and Luke 2
Modern readers tend to overlook the significance of the date of Quirinius’ census in the Infancy Narrative of Luke’s Gospel.
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Feast of the Circumcision (New Year’s Day)
The first of January is the day on which (some) Christians celebrate the circumcision and naming of Jesus.
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No Room in the Inn?
What was an inn like at the time of Jesus’ birth? Did it provide separate rooms, or was it like a dormitory with one big room?
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The Sons of His Will
Christmas brings many carols and cards containing the words from Luke 2:14, “Goodwill to men” and “Peace to men of goodwill.” The angels praised God with words that in English may sound like a politician wishing us to “Have a nice day.” Most of us sense that these words reflect something deeper, but why did the angels use such seemingly innocuous words?
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