Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 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, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

No one knows for certain who ”Theophilus” was, but his name means ‘Lover of God.’ It’s thought he may have been a high-ranking official: maybe a new Christian, or a genuine seeker after truth. David Pawson’s take is that his name means ‘Mr. God-friendly.’

Be that as it may, I believe it is important to note that the Luke who wrote this gospel (and also the book of Acts), was probably a medical doctor. Again, in Pawson’s words, he was someone with ‘a scientific turn of mind’. So, as we re-read the Christmas story (and indeed the gospel as a whole, along with the book of Acts – documents filled with miraculous wonders and supernatural events), let’s remember they were written by a careful researcher who clearly tried to get to the heart of what really happened.

You may choose to reject Christianity. But no-one should lightly dismiss it as some sort of ‘fairy tale.’ Should we reject, without seriously investigating, a faith many serious-minded people have embraced, and still do ? The fact that certain intellectuals are believers doesn’t make it true. But surely it says to us, ‘Take a careful look.’

”…I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning…’

Can you honestly say the same?