Thy Kingdom Come

OPENING PRAYER:

Dear Lord, I praise you for your everlasting love, enduring patience, and the greatest gift of all, the possibility of salvation through Jesus Christ.

READ: LUKE 1:67–80

Zechariah’s Song

67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn[a] of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit[b]; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

Footnotes

[a] Luke 1:69 Horn here symbolizes a strong king.

[b] Luke 1:80 Or in the Spirit

LUKE 1:67–80

REFLECT:

Look at your display of Christmas cards. How many point you to the true meaning of Christmas? Focus on one you find particularly special, and thank God for Jesus Christ, the best gift ever.

Last year, coming out of lockdown, a wedding was held in our Sunday service. It was wonderful to see the pure joy of the couple. We felt a sense of promise for the future, being part of their big picture as church family. Sadly, we were unable to raise the roof singing praise to God!

No such limitations on Zechariah! So many months of silence so quickly forgotten. Zechariah’s song is split into two parts, making one glorious whole. Praise to Almighty God is followed by proud amazement at what his God-given son will do (v 76). Past promises lead to future fulfillment. John is appointed to go before Jesus, preparing the way for him, being a signpost to him. Zechariah might have wondered why his son was only second-in-command, why Jesus would always be the main man. But he didn’t. His heart and spirit were far bigger than that.

Perhaps we sometimes feel that we are only playing second fiddle in the work we do for God’s kingdom. But wherever God’s plan takes us, it will be amazing.

APPLY:

‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them’ (v 68). Make Zechariah’s words your own. Allow God to fill your heart with praise and gratitude beyond measure.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Gracious Lord, today I thank you for all you have done for me through the coming of Jesus. Forgiveness, freedom, new life and peace with the Father. Thank you Lord.

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