Friday, January 23, 2026
Light from the Old Testament Upon the Nativity 6: When the Days were Fulfilled
We read Luke 2:1-20, seeing the birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s work among the Jewish people, the story of David, and the human story as a whole. God the creator cares about our world, about time and space, and comes to dwell with us in this fragile context. We are especially helped by fathers who marvel concerning Luke’s attention to detail, and God’s great compassion.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Light from the Old Testament Upon the Nativity 5: Rejoice, O Barren Woman!
Today we look at Luke 1:57-80, the story of John’s birth, circumcision, and the surrounding joy. We understand this deep passage in the light of Isaiah 54:1, Isaiah 9:2 and Psalm LXX 17/MT18:1-3.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Light from the Old Testament Upon the Nativity 4: The Blessed, the Humble, and the Mighty
In this episode, we read Luke 1:39-56, noting its link with Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 2, and David’s joy in the Ark’s homecoming in 2 Samuel 6. The blessing, humility, and perspective of the Theotokos on what constitutes true might is a perfect complement to our preparation for the Nativity.
Friday, December 12, 2025
Light from the Old Testament Upon the Nativity 3: Our Lord and His Cousin
This week we consider the annunciation of Jesus in Luke 1:26-38, noticing its parallels and contrasts with the announcement of John the Baptist’s coming, and understanding it through reference to some church Fathers, Gen 18, Ezekiel 8, Haggai 1, 2 Sam 7, and Isaiah 29:22. Luke uses his artistry and deep understanding of the Old Testament to show the link between the God-Man and his cousin John, and to put Jesus luminously in the spotlight.
Friday, November 28, 2025
Light from the Old Testament Upon the Nativity 2: The Promise of the Forerunner
This week we consider the announcement of the Forerunner to Zechariah in Luke 1:13-25, understanding Gabriel’s promise in the light of Judges 13; 1 Kings/3 Kingdoms 17-18; 2 Kings/4 Kingdoms 2:81-15; Malachi 4:5-6/LXX 3:22-23. This first glimmering of the good news, recalling the greats of the Old Testament, prepares for all that God plan to do in the ministry of Jesus.