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The Baptism of the Lord according to St. Luke contains certain unique features that reflect Luke's special areas of interest. What does he emphasize? The event is followed by Christ's genealogy, which is not exactly the same as Matthew's. Should this be a cause for concern?

Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

The Nativity stories are completed and Luke reintroduces John, who appears in the desert preaching and baptizing. Why are his presence and ministry so important that even now he occupies such a prominent place, including on the icon screen of every Orthodox church?

Luke's unique contribution continues as he describes the Presentation of the Lord at the Temple where his Messianic identity is recognized. As Mary "ponders" these things, she also receives insight into Jesus' own self-awareness when she loses him the city at age 12.

Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Luke mentions angels and shepherds prominently at the Birth of Christ. We think of the scene as poetic and pastoral, but Luke's presentation is a compelling statement about the Incarnation. And why does Luke alone note the circumcision and the presentation in the Temple?

Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Luke alone relates the announcements of the conceptions of John and Jesus followed by accounts of their births. The remarkable role of the Forerunner is foretold by his farther and the Lord's birth, although familiar to us, is actually striking and unusual as well.

Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...