Today we are going to look at Zechariah’s joyful song after the birth of his son, John the Baptist. Zechariah was Elizabeth’s husband, and a man who had been silent for many months since an angel came to his to tell him some incredible news. His wife Elizabeth would soon be preparing for the birth of their baby. The baby was born and there was great rejoicing. On the eight day when the baby was taken to the temple, Elizabeth told them his name was not to be Zechariah, but John. Zechariah asked to write on a tablet because he still couldn’t speak, and he wrote what his wife had stated. His name is John. Immediately, his voice returned, and he could speak once again. Right then, he prophesied under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit through song, regarding the long awaited Messiah, and also about his own son, John.
About Jesus he said…..Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and redeemed his people. About John he said……And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go on before and prepare the way for him…….
Zechariah was expressing his heart of joy to God for fulfillment of a promise. This song that came from Zechariah’s heart put him in remembrance of what was spoken before, and then the fulfillment that he was seeing with his own eyes. God is ever faithful to remember his promises.
Advent Activity: Take time around the dinner table to tell of God’s faithfulness to you. Use specifics, and in a personal way, rejoice in God’s faithfulness to your family and maybe even sing a joyful song together.