“You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High . . . because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven.”

— Luke 1:76-78

In the first chapter of Luke many important things can attract our attention: Gabriel’s visits to Zechariah and then to Mary; Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and her song of justice; even the naming of John and the end of Zechariah’s nine-month silence. All of these stories proclaim loudly: God’s light is coming into the world!

We see this in Zechariah’s song as well. Zechariah joyfully prophesies that his son, John, will be God’s messenger, preparing the way for God’s people. John will call people to repentance and forgiveness as God keeps his promises to free his people from their sins so that they might follow God in righteousness. Several other images that we’ve been considering this month are brought together in the final lines of Zechariah’s song: the light of a rising sun from heaven, a light shining on people living in darkness and even in death’s shadow, and God’s light guiding them on their way. God is declaring that he is about to fulfill his promises!

In a sense, then, the Holy Spirit is bringing together all sorts of little lights of God’s grace that have been shared in the Old Testament. Gathered here, their impact is multiplied: God’s salvation through his chosen servant is coming! And we are invited to rejoice with Zechariah, whose joy overflows at seeing this day!

Holy Spirit, fill us as you did Zechariah, that we too may rejoice in seeing how your promises are fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ. Amen.