After 9 long months of not being able to speak, Zachariah’s silence ends with the naming of his son John, just as the angel had said. The Lord graciously gave Zachariah words of prophecy that burst forth along with his praises. What a wonderful confirmation to Zachariah and Elizbeth that their son John was to have a part in God’s plan for mankind along with the coming savior. They knew Mary, who was staying in their home, was carrying God’s child. I am dividing Zachariah’s prophecy into two days. Here is part 1 of   Zechariah’s Prophecy, Luke 1:67-75:

⁶⁷ Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy                          ⁶⁸ “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has visited and redeemed his people.          Praise God, He is accessible.
                                ⁶⁹ He has sent us a mighty Savior
    from the royal line of his servant David,  Praise God, Savior Jesus is coming.
⁷⁰ just as he promised            Praises, God keeps His promises   
    through his holy prophets long ago.       from generation to generation.
⁷¹ Now we will be saved from our enemies
    and from all who hate us.         Praise God, The Savior will bring salvation.
⁷² He has been merciful to our ancestors
    by remembering his sacred covenant—   Praise God, He is merciful and faithful.
⁷³ the covenant he swore with an oath
    to our ancestor Abraham.        Praise God He kept His covenant with Abraham..
⁷⁴ We have been rescued from our enemies
    so we can serve God without fear,     Praise God, He removes our fears.
⁷⁵ in holiness and righteousness       Praise God, He provides holiness and righteousness.
    for as long as we live.

Zachariah knew the Lord and his prophecy is filled with the character of God. He tells what God has done and will do in the future.

How long is your memory? Do you recall things God has done in your life and continue to give Him praise? What about your salvation, His precious promises to you that He makes in His Word, His mercy and faithfulness? Do you thank Him for providing Jesus and a way to be reconciled to Him in spite of your sin? Do you thank Him for answered prayer and the fact that you can go to Him 24/7? Do you thank Him that He is willing to hear about you and your struggles and that He cares for you and about you? What would your own song of prayer be like? What would you include? Both Zachariah and Mary were overcome with who God was and what He was doing that they burst into song. Think about your life. What excites you to praise and thank God? May this season of giving and loving others stimulate you to thoughts of praise to Almighty God! May you sing your own song of Praise to God.

Linda