Week 4: The love song
22 December Luke 1:67-79
Zechariah sings praise to the God who has come to save the people of Israel. He remembers the covenants with Abraham and David: those promises that ring throughout the Old Testament and which would restore our relationship with God. With redemption will come freedom.
The birth of Zechariah’s son is the beginning of God redeeming the promises made to his forebears. This God is undoubtedly worthy of a love song of praise.
The love song over his son reveals a song of protest (vv76-79).
Zechariah has been silent for nine months and now sings out a love song over the son God gave him in his old age. He sings of John’s future role: to speak out, preparing the way for Jesus. His voice of protest will be against darkness and fear, shining the heavenly light on all who sin, and guiding people into the path of peace. It is a love song over an unexpected, beloved son who has been given a high calling.
It is because of our love song to God that we, too, can sing songs of protest, shining God’s light on the dark places in our world.
Catharine Hughes
Loving God, hear us as we sing.
May our praises rise to you in honour of all that you have done for us, how you fulfil your eternal promises and shower mercy on your people.
Fill our hearts with love, as we serve without fear in holiness and righteousness.
May we be bold in our songs of protest, calling out sins and injustice, that your light may shine and that we are guided in the path of peace.
Amen.
