Luke 23

Scripture Focus:
“He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”
— Luke 23:43 (NRSVUE)

Reflection

Luke 23 brings us to the cross. It’s a hard place to linger, especially in Advent—a season filled with light and expectation. And yet, the shadow of the cross stretches even over Bethlehem’s cradle. The One born to bring peace now hangs between two criminals, mocked and misunderstood.

But even here, grace breaks through. One of the men beside Jesus sees Him for who He is. With a simple plea—“Jesus, remember me”—he opens his heart to mercy. And Jesus responds with one of the most tender promises in Scripture: “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”

In this moment, we glimpse the heart of God: forgiving, welcoming, unshakably loving. The cross, which looked like an end, becomes a door into life.

Advent reminds us that Christ comes not only to the manger, but to every place where suffering and sorrow dwell. He meets us in our brokenness and speaks the same words still—“You will be with me.” That’s the promise of Emmanuel—God with us, even here.

Prayer

God of mercy and redemption,
Even at the cross, Your love does not fail.
Thank You for meeting us in our weakness,
for remembering us when we have nothing left to offer.
Teach us to see Your grace in the darkest places,
and to trust that nothing can separate us from Your love.
May we live with hearts that remember You
and rest in the promise of Paradise made new.
Amen.

Practice

Today, light a candle and spend a moment in quiet reflection.
Think of a place in your life—or in the world—where hope feels fragile.
Pray these words softly:
“Jesus, remember me.”

Let the light remind you that even in the shadow of the cross,
Christ’s love still shines.
Carry that hope into your day,
and offer it to someone who might need a reminder that God has not forgotten them.

Copyright © 2025 Ronda Welander