The On-Going Truth of Christmas

Scripture – Luke 1:67-75: 67His 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—72to 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 fear 75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

Reflection: Sometimes the most interesting part of Biblical stories is found in what we don’t know. Where did Zechariah get all this? Was he inspired spontaneously by the Holy Spirit? Had he listened to Elizabeth’s story about Mary and her baby? Had he been studying scriptures?

He had over nine months to mull things over while he couldn’t speak. When his tongue was finally loosened, he immediately began praising God. Then he launched into this prophetic proclamation about Jesus.

Historically, God’s prophets were validated when their words were fulfilled. Zechariah is speaking in the present tense about a child yet to be born.

As Christmas just past begins to fade, I’ll remember the truth of Christmas is ever present. Salvation has come today. Rescue has arrived today. “Emmanuel” is not a seasonal word. God is with us all year long.