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.

These verses remind us of the purpose of Jesus coming to dwell with us on earth. They describe Jesus as “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being” (v.3.). 

As we reflect on the Christmas story it’s easy to think of Jesus as just a “special baby” in the nativity play, and forget that He is fully God as well as fully human. This baby is Immanuel: “God with us”. Christ Jesus took on all the infirmities of the flesh, yet was without sin. It is this unique position that allows Him to “provide the purification for sins”. 

When I read this passage, three words immediately came to mind - joy, obedience and praise.

JOY
When a new baby is born it is an extremely joyful time in a couple’s life. Friends and relatives descend on you with presents and advice. It was no different when Elizabeth’s baby was born. Verse 58 tells us that her friends and relatives shared her joy. It must have been particularly poignant as Elizabeth had waited so long for a child.

In this very powerful, personal and emotional prelude to the arrival of Jesus into our world, Zechariah reminds us that Christmas is all about faith. The events unfolding can only be perceived by faith, as Zechariah is visited by one of God's heavenly messengers. Zechariah at least has faith to recognize his visitor for who he is.

“When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid"' (Luke 1: 12-13).

Yet the message is also to be received by faith. In response to Zechariah's lacklustre response, the angel says:

At this time of year we often think on Christ’s humility. Our Christmas Carols speak of a baby “meek and mild”. We sing of the child laid in a manger. We send Christmas cards that depict these lowly scenes. We rightfully remember this wonderful  truth, that the Son of God humbled Himself and came into the world as a baby.

In our passage today, written over 700 years before that first Christmas, we not only see the purpose of Christ’s coming, but we see also the fullest meaning of humility.

This is the first of four Servant Songs as Isaiah speaks in the Old Testament with reference to the New Covenant. It tells of the coming of Christ to bring forth God’s great redemption and the expansion of His Kingdom to the Gentiles, to the captives, and to those in darkness. His credentials are clearly defined here, His capability undoubted and His mission a glorious one.

The hope, excitement, and anticipation are palpable and we begin to experience something of this ourselves as we look forward to the celebration of Christmas.

This is the first of four Servant Songs as Isaiah speaks in the Old Testament with reference to the New Covenant. It tells of the coming of Christ to bring forth God’s great redemption and the expansion of His Kingdom to the Gentiles, to the captives, and to those in darkness. His credentials are clearly defined here, His capability undoubted and His mission a glorious one.

The hope, excitement, and anticipation are palpable and we begin to experience something of this ourselves as we look forward to the celebration of Christmas.

Verse 15 speaks of the peace that comes from Christ. The Christmas season can often be busy and stressful, but, as we come to remember the birth of Jesus, we can be thankful for that gift of peace He has given us. This is a time of great joy and thanksgiving but there is still much conflict and injustice in the world. We should pray that all may feel that peace this Christmas time. Whoever you are, whatever you have done, God sent His Son so that you may be reconciled with Him and know that eternal peace.

“Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”