In this devotional, Ally Bennett reflects on the “prequel” to the Christmas story through Zachariah’s prophecy in Luke 1. She lingers over the tender affection in Zachariah’s words to his long-awaited son, John, and the overwhelming hope that bursts out of him once his voice is restored. Ally draws out the joy of a father’s love, the anticipation of God’s long-promised salvation, and the privilege of declaring light into a dark world. She also connects Zachariah’s story with her own recent experience of God’s perfect timing and gracious provision, and finishes by inviting us to recover a fresh sense of wonder as we read these well-known Christmas passages.