Luke 1:67-71
“His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. 69He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us'”
The Advent season is a wonderful time to reflect on the past, deal with the present, and find hope for the future! Today, we reflect on Zechariah’s SONG OF HOPE.
What Does Advent Mean? – Luke 2:12
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
1. – Advent means coming . – Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
2. – Advent means arrival . – Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
3. – Advent means dawning . – Luke 1:78
“because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven”
4. – Advent means drawing near . – Isaiah 22:22
“I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.”
“Advent is more than a way to count down the days to Christmas. It is a time to wait on God.”
How Does Zechariah’s Song Connect with Advent? – Luke 1:5
“In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.”
1. – His song reminds us of the importance of patience .
2. – His song reminds us of the need to be faithful . – Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
What Does Zechariah’s Song Teach Us About Tomorrow? – Luke 1:72-79
” to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, 73the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76And 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, 77to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
1. – God will reward those who trust Him. – Jeremiah 29:11
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
“God must have a person for all His plans, but He will take only obedient, trusting hearts.”
C. Neil Strait, Advent Moments
2. – God will come in dynamic new ways, if we accept the gift of salvation . – Titus 2:11
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.”
“The condition of the heart influences the tradition of this season.”
Stan Toler, Advent Moments
