By 
As I began thinking about plans for celebrating the birth of Christ, I turned to Luke, my favorite Gospel. I paused to consider Luke’s introduction:
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. —Luke 1:1-4, NIV
Four phrases grabbed my attention:
things that have been fulfilled
eyewitnesses and servants of the word
carefully investigated
an orderly account
Luke went to the source, the stories of eyewitnesses of epic events, as he carefully investigated the facts. Now he was ready to write an orderly account for one person, someone important to him—a person named Theophilus. Why did Luke go to such pains? He wanted Theophilus to know the certainty of the things he’d been taught. I’m challenged to consider if I’d invest the same amount of effort for one person, yet that’s what true discipleship is about.
I also wondered, “Why is Theophilus so important to Luke?” Some speculate he might have been a Gentile government official, a patron, a new believer, or a seeker. In fact, it was such a common name among Jews, he could have been just about anyone. What we do know is that Theophilus was curious about Jesus and His followers, and Luke cared enough to do something about it.
Things fulfilled
The things fulfilled Luke wrote in his account to Theophilus included prophecies extending all the way back to Genesis! God is still at work today preparing to establish His kingdom on earth. My parents followed newspaper accounts of the establishment of the Nation of Israel. While visiting Jerusalem, I viewed replicas of priestly garments, the golden menorah, and samples of temple incense—all readied for the rebuilding of the temple. Prophecies are still being fulfilled as we wait for Christ’s physical return.
A personal witness
What have I personally witnessed? Most importantly, I’ve known the redemptive work of salvation made possible by the infant Jesus coming to live and die on earth. I’ve experienced the power of the Holy Spirit, the same Holy Spirit arriving at Pentecost that Luke records in Acts 2. I’ve also witnessed many acts of God’s grace and loving character I could readily share, such as safety from a two-ton truck and van accident on a remote mountainside in Jordan.
An investigation
I’m learning to investigate truth by carefully studying God’s Word using a variety of resources available to me. Womenary classes offer an additional option for investigating biblical truth. I’ve recently grasped an important principle from one class—God has constantly been at work through covenants with individuals, Israel, and believers as He works toward establishing His coming Kingdom on earth.
An orderly account
Who do I know that would be encouraged by my own careful investigation of God’s Word, of God at work in the world, and of God at work in my life? I have an instant list without looking beyond my immediate family: four children, their spouses, and six granddaughters. Am I willing to do the work of communicating God’s amazing acts? Luke used a bamboo pen and a sheet of papyrus. I have snail mail and a wide variety of technology for testifying of God’s wondrous grace in my life and God’s wondrous truths in His Word. I also have access to a barn with hay for reenacting Christ’s birth for the granddaughters! Will I be faithful in communicating these things to those closest to me?
How will I respond to others God brings into my life—extended family, friends, associates, and acquaintances?
Am I willing to take the time and make the effort to communicate God’s great work in a clear, orderly fashion?
Not all sharing needs to be as thorough and extensive as Luke’s reporting to Theophilus. I recall a rare opportunity in a university classroom in China. We had about twenty minutes to visit one-on-one with students who wanted to practice hearing and speaking English. Discussing American holidays offered a conversation launching point. Christmas tells the story of Christ’s birth. Easter celebrates Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. I remember sketching the shepherds, manger, cross, and empty tomb on a small piece of paper as we talked. Imagine my surprise when my student asked specific questions about the cross! She exclaimed, “Now I understand! My grandfather had one of these and always acted like it was very special. He kept it carefully wrapped in a cloth. Now I know why it was so important!” I had spoken and written in an orderly fashion, all within twenty minutes, and God was glorified.
The same thing can happen over a cup of coffee with a friend or in a kindergarten Sunday school class.
We’re surrounded by opportunities.
May the Lord find me ready and available to faithfully share God at work in the world, in prophecy, and in my life.
What better time than this season when we celebrate His entrance into our world, His birth!
Linda Lesniewski
Linda served as Women’s Minister at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, TX for 24 years. She has authored "A Little Book About Knowing a Big God" for children; "Women at the Cross" and "Connecting Women: A Guide for Leaders in Women’s Ministry", by Revell; as well as "His Story My Story", a digital download available from LifeWay. Linda enjoys spending time with her four young adult children and six granddaughters. She has served on the Womenary Board of Directors for many years.
You can contact Linda at lindalesniewski49@gmail.com. 
