The Songs of Christmas: Zechariah Prophetic Prelude to the Christmas Story (Benedictus)

As we approach Christmas, it's the perfect time to reexamine what I like to call “The Big Story.” What’s this? Well, it is the timeless story of Jesus's birth. Over the next few weeks, let’s open the Gospel of Luke and be reminded that Christ has come. Instead of focusing on Bethlehem, wise men, and a star, let’s turn our attention to the songs recorded by Luke that encapsulate the core of the Christmas season.

Luke is the only disciple to record the first "Christmas Carols." Four songs embedded in his gospel remind us of the promises of God fulfilled in the person of Christ. The first song, Benedictus, is found in Luke 1:68-79.

I want to look at one of the events that happened before the birth of Christ—during the silence preceding the miracle of Bethlehem. Before the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary and the conception of Jesus in her womb, an angel visited another family, proclaiming they would also have a child. This promise unfolded into fulfillment, eliciting praise to God.

Zechariah and Elizabeth’s Story

We find the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1:1-25; 57-73. The narrative unfolds with Zechariah, a priest chosen by the lot for a rare and significant opportunity—to enter the Temple and offer incense to the Lord, a once-in-a-lifetime honor. However, the occasion's solemnity takes an unexpected turn when the angel Gabriel appears before Zechariah. Overwhelmed with fear, Zechariah's apprehension is addressed by the angel's comforting words, urging him not to be afraid.

The angel then delivers a profound promise to Zechariah—Elizabeth, his wife, will conceive and give birth to a child. This child is described as a source of joy and delight to Zechariah and Elizabeth, even though the prospect might not be universally celebrated. The uniqueness of this child lies in being filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. Yet, Zechariah, grappling with the limitations of age, doubts the feasibility of this promise. The angel's response to Zechariah's skepticism is extraordinary—Gabriel renders him unable to speak until the fulfillment of the promise.

Meanwhile, an unforeseen disruption occurs outside the Temple, where people had gathered for their customary prayers. Zechariah, expected to emerge at a specific time, delays, leaving the congregation puzzled and concerned. When he finally appears, unable to speak and attempting to convey his experience through gestures, the onlookers remain perplexed, failing to comprehend the divine encounter that transpired within the sacred walls of the Temple.

Zechariah returns home to Elizabeth after his service at the Temple, and the promise materializes. Elizabeth conceives, prompting her to seclude herself for five months. The culmination of this promise unfolds with the birth of a son. The news of Elizabeth's newfound motherhood spreads through the community, sparking widespread rejoicing among neighbors and relatives.

Eight days after the birth, Zechariah and Elizabeth take their son to the Temple for the customary circumcision. This occasion also marks the naming of the child, a moment traditionally reserved for the father to name the firstborn son. However, defying convention, Elizabeth insists on the name "John," which means “Jehovah is a gracious giver.” This deviation raises eyebrows within the family, but Zechariah, still unable to speak, intervenes by inscribing on a tablet: "HIS NAME IS JOHN." Zechariah regains his ability to speak in this powerful moment, leaving everyone in awe. The news of this miraculous event reverberates throughout the land of Judea and the Hill Country, marking the extraordinary beginning of a story that transcends the boundaries of a single family. This event is so amazing that it causes people to ask, “What then is this child (John) going to be?”

Zechariah, now able to speak, lifts his voice in a prophetic song, expressing his gratitude to God and foretelling the important role that John would have in introducing the Messiah to the world.

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days (Luke 1:68-75)

Zechariah's words reflect a deep appreciation for God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham. His song paints a picture of salvation, mercy, and liberation from enemies—a perfect prelude to the imminent arrival of Jesus.

The second verse of this song shifts attention from the coming Christ to the ministry of calling of John:

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace (Luke 1:76-79).

John will grow up and become a prophet who prepares the way for Jesus, brings the knowledge of salvation and forgiveness of sins to all who will listen, and leads the lost into a path of peace found in Jesus.

God's Story is Our Story

In reflecting on Zechariah's Song, it becomes evident that a central theme emerges—God's story is our story. The initial verses of the song resonate with the collective history of God's interaction with His people over hundreds of years. It focuses on broad promises bestowed upon an entire nation, underscoring God's commitment to protect and care for them as His chosen people.

The narrative turns from the national to the personal as Zechariah tenderly applies these promises to himself and his son, John. This transition prompts some questions: “What promises have we individually received from God? How do these promises fuel our passion for various aspects of life?”

The call to self-reflection extends further. Our persistent prayers for ailing family members or lost loved ones serve as a reminder of the perpetual reliance on God's promises. As a messenger of God's fulfilled promises, Zechariah becomes a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that God fulfills His commitments. Through this fulfillment, we glimpse the grandeur of God's overarching narrative as He resides in the very heart of our stories.

Yet, Zechariah's personal journey offers a candid acknowledgment that the path to promise fulfillment may entail misunderstanding or personal discomfort. The thought-provoking question arises: Was it enjoyable for Zechariah to serve as a priest who could not speak, unable to vocally express the magnificent promise received in the Temple? This rhetorical query invites us to consider the challenges accompanying our journeys toward fulfilling God's promises.

Amid uncertainties and detours that might divert us from God's promises, the resounding assurance remains—God is an active participant in the stories of our lives. Even when our narratives take unexpected turns, deviating from the anticipated route, God remains present and steadfast. His commitment to bringing His promises to fruition persists, offering solace and encouragement amidst life's twists and turns.

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