Advent Day 10: Luke 1:67-79

Read & Journal

Read Luke 1:67-79. Use any or all of these questions to meditate on what you’ve read.

• What does Zechariah’s prophecy reveal about Jesus, his character and his purpose?

• What does Zechariah’s prophecy tell us about John the Baptist, Zechariah’s son and his role?

• Pay attention to Zechariah’s mentions of light and darkness, particularly in verses 78-79. How have you seen Jesus “shine” on those who sit in darkness or in the shadow of death? How has he guided you (past and present) to the path of peace?

Ponder

For the long months of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Zechariah had been deaf and mute, making communication difficult. Perhaps, as he watched Elizabeth’s belly grow and felt the baby’s kicks, he’d pondered Gabriel’s words and marveled at God’s faithfulness. Whatever happened in Zechariah’s mind and heart over those months, by the time of John’s circumcision, his faith was once again firmly planted in God and God’s faithfulness. Words of prophecy and praise poured out of his mouth in a torrent, surprising the crowd who had gathered.

The Messiah was coming, Zechariah declared, just as the Father had promised through the prophets long ago. Redemption, mercy, and rescue were all in His hands. And John, just eight days old, would prepare the way for the Lord. This tiny child would share the good news of salvation through the forgiveness of sins. In the darkness of oppression and fear, anxiety and hopelessness, the “morning light from heaven” (v. 78, NLT) was about to break over the horizon. Their faith wasn’t in a warrior or a politician or even in themselves. Ultimately, their hope lay in a faithful, merciful, redeeming God who was going to all lengths to rescue them from the darkness that permeated their lives—by stepping into it. The Savior was coming, and He would be the light for those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. He would guide them along the path of peace.

We can look for hope and light in so many places, but true hope lies only in Jesus, the Word who ”became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). He knows pain and sorrow (Isa. 53:3), and He has faced temptation and trial (Heb. 4:15). He is the Light that leads us out of the darkness of sin, the Light that shines in darkness of grief and death, and He alone leads us to the path of peace.