“It seemed fitting for me as well, [and so I have decided] after having carefully searched out and investigated all the events accurately, from the very beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus.” – Luke 1:3, AMP

Today, we embark on a new series in commemoration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is traditionally celebrated on December 25.

From the onset, let me state that the narrative of the life of Christ in the Book of Luke, especially the birth of Christ, differs significantly from that of Matthew in terms of emphasis, audience, and specific details.

Firstly, Luke targeted a Gentile audience (for both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts). He thus portrays Jesus as the Son of Man (perfect man) and the Savior for all people – including Gentiles, women, and the marginalized – and who had compassion for the poor and reached out to outcasts.

This is not surprising given that the Book was specifically addressed to Theophilus – said to be a Roman or Greek top official – as our meditation verse today indicates.

Theophilus, whose name means ‘lover of God’ or ‘friend of God,’ is addressed as “most excellent,” indicating a person of high status or rank, possibly a top Roman or Greek official.

Only ‘Theophilus’ – the one who truly loves God with all their heart, all their mind and all their strength can fathom the story of Christmas and make sense of it.

Some Bible scholars believe that Theophilus was a wealthy high-ranking recent convert to Christianity, who sponsored Luke’s extensive research project to document a reliable account of Jesus’ life and teachings.

The result was a well-organized and accurate account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, aimed at strengthening the faith of the ‘friend/lover of God.’

The message here is clear – a man who is a lover of God deserves to get the most accurate narrative about the Lord Jesus so as to love Him even more.

Would I or you be described as ‘Theophilus’ – lover or friend of God?

In the Bible, Abraham was specifically described as “friend of God.” James 2:23 says; “And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’—and he was called a friend of God.”

The friendship title was attributed to Abraham because of his faith and obedience, especially his willingness to offer his son Isaac, which demonstrated his profound trust in God.

Psalm 91:14 says; “Because he has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known My Name.”

In John 15:14-15, Jesus told His disciples: “You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”

Of course, Christmas means many different things to different people – eating, drinking, feasting, clothes, tours, or making money.

Only ‘Theophilus’ – the one who truly loves God with all their heart, all their mind and all their strength can fathom the story of Christmas and make sense of it.

Are you Theophilus, a lover/friend of God?