(Luke 1-14)
Luke is arguably the most detailed of the gospels. This could be because Luke himself was a later convert, who did not actually witness the events as Jesus' disciples had, and seems to have compiled & recorded the information from other sources as suggested by his "prologue" (1:1-4). For example, Luke is the only gospel writer who includes the aspects of the birth narrative that we typically refer to as the "Christmas Story" including the angelic visitations, Caesar's decree that brought Mary & Joseph to Bethlehem, and his nativity in the manger.
These are important details - obviously - and we should not take them for granted, but upon this reading what really stood out to me is Luke's emphasis on the marginalized. It seems to me that his birth account could only have come from Jesus' mother (cf. 2:19), he also mentions the prophetess Anna (2:26-28), yet the testimony of women were not valued in that culture. Luke is the only one who mentions Levi's party with the tax collectors (5:27-32). Then there is the healing of the centurion's son (a Gentile, 7:1-10) and the widow's son (another woman, 7:11-15). In fact, without counting verses, it seems to me that more women are featured in this gospel than any other. Does any other gospel writer even mention that women followed Jesus along with the twelve? (cf. 8:1-3)
This reminds me that the Lord seems to favor the meek, lowly, humble, and oppressed. I think it's fair to say that unless we first become meek, lowly, and humble, we will not be accepted by Him. This seems to be the point of the parables of the wedding feast and the great banquet (which, again, are only recorded by Luke) in 14:7-24.
Lord, help me to develop a humble and lowly spirit, never to try and exalt myself or to behave as if I am somehow worthy of your merciful gifts. And help me to be one who shares your compassion and love for the downtrodden and marginalized.