The days of King Herod were a time of darkness—a political and spiritual oppression. Any rebellion against the oppression was met with violence. Men only found hope in the promise of the coming Messiah. Zacharias and Elizabeth lived with this hope. They lived in reproach of the people because they could not bear any children. But the real meaning of Christmas is that in any darkness in your life, the Sun of Righteousness has risen with healing in His wings. When Zacharias was given the proclamation of his answered prayer a child, he doubted, instead of receiving glad tidings. The meaning of Christmas is that God has visited and redeemed His people. He looked upon us to benefit us. We have no strength so we needed Christ to be born, and to die for us in order to receive His strength. God is true to His promises and covenants with His people to save us from our enemies—the devil, sin, and our own carnal tendencies. He sent His messenger, John the Baptist, to declare the message of repentance, of the high places being made low, crooked places made straight, rough places made smooth. Repentance prepares the way for the Lord to enter in. Forgiveness of sin is the reason for the Gospel. It is entirely because of the mercy and grace of God. Christ has come to bring the light of the Gospel to those who sit in darkness from sin. Only Christ can guide our feet to the way of peace. We are all in darkness before the light of the Gospel shines upon us. Only in Christ are we delivered from the darkness. So what will you do with this message? Will you doubt it? Or will you receive it by faith, and be guided into the way of peace?