But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Luke 2:10

This is an enhanced posting from one year ago, but the purpose and meaning resonate as much today as ever.

Social media viral challenges have woven themselves into the fabric of our online existence, particularly surging during the unprecedented times of the pandemic in 2020. I mean, who could forget Moteventure’s own heartwarming “Covid-19 Silent Sync Challenge”? It was a moment of unity during a period when we felt the sharp sting of isolation, often separated by those disheartening six feet.

While these viral challenges have evolved with the rise of TikTok, the essence remains unchanged — they bring us together, whether we’re working from home or bravely venturing into our workplaces.

Just the other night, as my wife and I immersed ourselves in the enchanting world of “One Tree Hill” on Hulu, I found myself momentarily distracted by headlines and social media on my iPhone during the ad breaks. (Side note: why on earth do I see commercials with a Hulu subscription?) It was during this wandering that I stumbled upon a captivating post about an inspiring December challenge — reading a chapter from the Book of Luke each day, culminating with the final, 24th chapter on Christmas Eve.

Jesus, the very heart and soul of the Gospel of Luke, takes us on a profound journey through His birth, His life, His ministry, His crucifixion, and ultimately, His glorious resurrection.

Having discovered this challenge a few days into December, I was eager to catch up. Tonight, I’m diving into the sixth chapter before bed, feeling energized by the pursuit. The only hurdle? Finding a Bible version that didn’t leave me scratching my head in confusion. The King James Version often bombards me with “thees” and “thys,” prompting me to turn to my wife in bewilderment, asking, “What does this mean to you?”

I decided to embrace the Contemporary English Version (CEV), crafted for “today’s family.” What a revelation! It spoke to me, resonating with the pulse of this 21st-century life we lead.

Now, let’s delve into the rich tapestry woven within the first five chapters of the Gospel of Luke — a narrative that promises to inspire and uplift!

Luke, Chapter 1:

Luke introduces his story as a formal history, told by eyewitnesses, setting up the best possible account of the gospel. He begins not with Jesus but with the prophecy of the birth of John, who will herald Jesus.

Luke, Chapter 2:

Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem was foretold, but required a movement of empires to fulfill. Simeon’s song emphasizes that Jesus came for Gentiles, too, a fact few others understand until decades later.

Luke, Chapter 3:

Luke, with the benefit of hindsight, connects John the Baptist to Elijah. John’s sermons prefigure Jesus’s message. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all take part in Jesus’s baptism.

Luke, Chapter 4:

Jesus rebukes Satan with ancient words of Scripture, even though Jesus is literally God, thereby showing us the way rather than taking a path we can’t follow.

Luke, Chapter 5:

Jesus is doing a new thing. He makes fishers of fish into fishers of men. He not only eats with tax collectors but makes them disciples. He heals sickness and forgives sin. Some people can accept the changes, but some cannot.

Source: Versenotes.com

So, where do you go to access the 24 chapters in the Gospel of Luke? Check out the links below for the KJV and CEV Bible versions and begin the challenge now!