Advent is a season of anticipation of the return of Christ. John the Baptist was sent by God to be the forerunner of Jesus and call people to prepare the way of the Lord. In a sense, John was the last of the Old Testament prophets (see Luke 7:28). His ministry broke four centuries of prophetic silence from God, during which many worldly and political enemies threatened the Jewish people.

Zechariah and Elizabeth (John’s parents) created quite a buzz around Judea when Zechariah was struck mute by the angel Gabriel, and Elizabeth conceived far past the age of childbearing. At his son’s naming, Zechariah’s tongue is loosed and he gives glory to God in a prophecy recounting God’s faithfulness in times past.

Experiences of God’s goodness make us anticipate more.

Zechariah’s prophecy begins by rejoicing that God has visited his people. He recalls God’s covenant promises to Abraham (v. 73) and the ruling of King David (v. 69). In the same way that God has delivered Israel from her enemies in the past, God is going to grant salvation once again, but it will be from a broader enemy: sin. 

The ministry of John the Baptist was prophesied to “give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins.” The Jews’ problem, like ours, is greater than political enemies. It’s our sinful hearts. We were all “dead in our sins and trespasses” (Ephesians 2:1).  But God is rich in mercy (v. 72, 78) and has sent Light into our darkness. 

Taking It Home: Recall and Renew.  Spend a moment recalling some of the mercies God shows his people in Scripture and also specific mercies in your own life. Then renew your commitment to him in this Advent season.