There are only two gospels out of the four that tell the stories of the birth of Jesus (which are called Infancy Narratives), Matthew and Luke. Each narrative seems to have been written by the gospel writer as a prologue to his version of Jesus’ ministry, and each narrative prologue contains the major elements or themes that each gospel writer would go on to develop more fully in the gospel itself.

What we should do to prepare for the coming of the kingdom

Gospel: Luke 3:10–18
Teacher, what should we do?

Taking John’s cues we can say that simply living honest lives is a good start. We look to our relationships and our responsibilities: ruptures are to be mended; frictions addressed; family responsibilities faced; work done honestly; employees treated justly. Start where you are, John says.

Be prepared; Finding hope in the midst of waiting

Gospel: Luke 21:25–28, 34–36
Be vigilant at all times

Prayer is essential if the disciples are to fulfill their call to vigilance against the surrounding seductive powers we encounter daily in overt and subtle ways: aggression, racism, political corruption, indifference to the blight of others, isolations from the community, greed and a host of other such forces.

Jesus and power; my relationship with power/Jesus and truth

Gospel: John 18:33–37
My kingdom is not of this world

Before we pray “thy kingdom come” we must be willing to pray “my kingdom go” and that requires a shift in values and a desire to conform our will to that of Jesus.

Be joyful; live now as if the kingdom were already here

Gospel: Mark 13:24–32
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

The world will end, but how are we now living in it? We are invited to welcome each moment, live it fully, grow in love for God and others.