This wonderful song forms a significant part of the Advent story. Sung by a father following the birth of his son, perhaps nothing unusual in that, except this father was an elderly priest who had once doubted God’s promise to give him a son. “How can I be sure of this” he had said. Now he holds the evidence of God’s faithfulness.

This is no ordinary birth, and no normal nursery rhyme. This song has been composed from a heart that knew the promises God had made His people, and, in the fulfilment of the birth, remembers the promises God made to His people to save, to redeem, and to rescue, bringing victory over enemies.

This baby will fulfil an important prophecy to go before and to prepare the way, for a more significant birth - the long promised Messiah. Zechariah can see all this and through his song helps us to see it also. Our Redeemer and Saviour, God in Christ, Immanuel has come to rescue. Darkness, despair and death will be transformed by the light that guides all those
who seek it into peace.

Is this a song we also want to sing? A response of worship is the right response when we meet Jesus, but perhaps Zechariah would add, do not just sing it, live it and serve Him in holiness and righteousness all our days.

David Knowles