Luke 1:67-68

New International Version

 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

For Encouragement

After God opened Zechariah’s mouth at the naming of John the Baptist, he first spoke about the soon-to-come Redeemer of Israel, Jesus, before prophesying about his son’s life. (Lk. 1: 67-79). For this Christmas, I highlight three things the old priest said about the Godchild we celebrate today.

First, God had come to redeem His people from their enemies. John’s birth was the sign that God had raised His mighty arm to bring salvation to His people (Lk. 1:68-69).

Second, the time had come for God to bring Israel’s Redeemer, the promise He swore on oath to Abraham through His prophets to save His people from their enemies (70-73).

Third, God’s purpose was that His redeemed might serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness all the days of their lives (74-75).

Therefore, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a great host of angels appeared to some shepherds tending their flock, praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (2:14).

The child they serenaded is the Christ we celebrate today. Let us gaze into the eyes of the child lying in the manger and acknowledge Him as the Redeemer Zechariah spoke about. He is our God, who has clothed Himself with human flesh to exchange His righteousness for our sin and to reconcile us to the Father through Him.

This Christmas Child is your Savior and Lord—the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6) who deserves your worship and praise. Let’s give Him glory today and every day of our lives.

May the peace of God rest upon you and your household to bring unceasing joy now and into the coming New Year, 2026.

Merry Christmas, everybody.

Photo by Adrian Monserrat on Pexels.com