This is the passage we read this week at the orphanage during the lighting of our second Advent candle on the Advent wreath. It was the candle of “peace.” These verses speak of our Prince of Peace, Jesus, the Savior of the world.
Picture the scene: Zechariah was finally able to speak after months of being unable. His son had just been born, and because of an angelic encounter earlier, Zechariah knew that his child would become a great prophet of God. He had to be beaming with pride as well as giving thanks to God.
If you’ve ever had the Holy Spirit speak through you, you know the amazement and peace you feel when you listen to the voice coming out of your own mouth. Zechariah had that kind of encounter with the Holy Spirit. Zechariah’s voice had been silent for so long as a punishment from God; how fitting it is that this would be Zechariah’s first utterance!
Zechariah was over the moon as a new father, knowing the destiny of his child even before it was born. How cool would it be to have advanced knowledge that your child would be doing God’s work in a mighty way? That’s any Christian parent’s dream come true.
What do we learn about our coming Savior from Zechariah’s prophecy? One recurring theme is we’ll be saved from our enemies. Who are your enemies these days, perhaps those who hate you for your faith? Jesus’ coming takes away the threat so we can live without fear. We can serve God without worry of oppression.
Zechariah also speaks truth about who his own child will become. John the Baptist will go on to fulfill his calling. John’s life will hold great purpose. In his father’s words, “You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins.” John’s purpose is not a secret anymore. God put these words in Zechariah’s mouth for the world to hear. For us, all these centuries later, it’s powerful to hear such a declaration being made. God had the perfect plan for announcing Jesus to the world.
What a gift of God it was to have such a word of promise given to and through him! God’s message would have been pioneering for the time. Yet, Zechariah boldly proclaimed the word of the Lord. The LORD was coming, and salvation was at hand.
Zechariah described Jesus as the light of the world. Jesus will claim that identity later in his ministry. John 8:12 says, “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’” Zechariah tells us that light will “guide us to the path of peace.”
Doesn’t that sound appealing? As you look at the lights twinkling on your Christmas tree, think of Jesus’ light coming into the world to lead you toward your own path of peace.
Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me for my fearfulness. You came to calm my fears and lead me toward peace. Fill me anew with your perfect peace. Thank you for the tingle I feel when I sense your presence. Help me to boldly step out in service to you. Shine through me so I can be your light in this dark world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
