The Song Of Zechariah (Pastor Austin)
The Song of Zechariah – Advent Sunday of Love
Welcome to the Advent Sunday of Love.
As we journey closer to Christmas, the songs of the season remind us of the depth and beauty of God’s love. Each week, we’ve turned our ears to the carols that bring the wonder of Advent to life. Today, we focus on O Holy Night, a song steeped in history and hope, and the themes of love it shares with the Song of Zechariah.
The Story Behind O Holy Night
Back in 1847, in a small French town, a parish priest asked a local poet, who had drifted from the church, to write a poem for Christmas Mass. Inspired by Luke’s gospel, the poet imagined witnessing the birth of Christ, creating the now-famous Cantique de Noël. Later, a Jewish composer set the lyrics to music, crafting the soaring melody we know today. Though its origins were controversial, the song’s timeless themes of love, peace, and liberation resonated through history, even serving as a beacon of hope during the American Civil War and the first voice ever broadcast over radio waves in 1906.
The lyrics’ call to love—“Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace”—echo the same divine love and purpose revealed in the Song of Zechariah.
The Song of Zechariah
Zechariah’s story begins with silence. A priest known for his righteousness, Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth lived with the pain of being childless, considered a sign of God’s disfavor in their time. Yet, in their old age, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah with an astounding promise: Elizabeth would bear a son, John, who would prepare the way for the coming Messiah.
Despite his faith, Zechariah doubted. “How can I be sure of this?” he asked, allowing his human perspective to overshadow the divine promise. For his disbelief, Gabriel declared that Zechariah would be mute until the prophecy was fulfilled.
But God’s plans prevailed. John the Baptist was born, and Zechariah’s first words after months of silence were a song of praise, prophecy, and love:
“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.”
(Luke 1:68)
Lessons from Zechariah’s Song
Zechariah’s song reveals profound truths about God’s love:
- God’s Promises Are Sure: Despite his doubt, Zechariah experienced the fulfillment of God’s word. We are reminded that even in our frailty, God is faithful to His promises.
- God Uses the Ordinary: Zechariah, Elizabeth, and their son John were ordinary people chosen for extraordinary purposes. God works through imperfect and humble vessels to fulfill His divine plan.
- A Kingdom of Love and Mercy: Zechariah’s prophecy foretells a Savior who would bring salvation, light, and peace to those in darkness. His son John would prepare the way, pointing to a kingdom built on love and forgiveness.
- Hope Rises from God’s Tender Mercy: Zechariah proclaims the tender mercy of God, shining like the rising sun to guide our feet into the path of peace. Love is at the heart of redemption, and through Jesus, God’s love came down to dwell among us.
A Call to Reflect
As we celebrate the Advent Sunday of Love, let’s reflect on the lessons of Zechariah’s story and song:
- How do we respond to God’s promises? Like Zechariah, we may face moments of doubt, but we are invited to trust and embrace the hope God offers.
- How can we bring love into the world? Zechariah’s song reminds us of a Savior who calls us to live lives of mercy, forgiveness, and peace.
- Are we preparing the way for Christ in our lives? Just as John the Baptist pointed others to the Messiah, we are called to point to Jesus through our words, actions, and love.
In this Advent season, as we sing O Holy Night and ponder Zechariah’s song, may we be reminded of the great love that God has shown us through Christ. Love is the heart of the Christmas story. Love came down in the form of a child, and love calls us to live as bearers of God’s light in a world in need of peace and hope.
Let us walk forward in the tender mercy of our God, proclaiming His love and preparing the way for the King of Kings. May this love fill our hearts and guide our steps this season.