After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. There are four themes that will be important to Luke’s gospel that he announces and intertwines in this brief verse. Eight days. Jewish...

When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and...

But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. And then we’re back to Mary. After shepherds and angels and heavenly songs and prophecies and promises we come back to this young girl. She has been, at various turns, frightened, perplexed, courageous, and willing. She has...