Connected Christianity

I really like this passage. I like it so much that I chose to use part of it when my son was dedicated as a baby. Yes, I know it was pronounced specifically over the birth of John the Baptist, but I think it is a wonderful pronouncement for any birth.

When a child is born, we, like Elizabeth and Zechariah’s neighbors, ask the question, “What then is this child going to be?” (Lk 1:66). The last few verses of Zechariah’s song answer that question beautifully. “You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High,” Zechariah announces (1:76). Like I said, this is a good passage for any new birth, since we, as God’s followers, are all called to prophesy about the love of the Most High. Just as Zechariah said about John, “You will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him” (1:76), so is our calling as disciples. Our every interaction with people should be an encouragement and preparation to embrace the love of God. After all, giving God’s people “the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins” (1:77) is the essence of the Great Commission.

The ending of Zechariah’s song is poetic and touching. It describes the message that John will bring, saying that salvation comes from God’s “tender mercy” (1:78). I don’t usually think of mercy as anything but good, welcome, or undeserved. But I need to remember that God’s mercy is tender; it is peaceful and loving. But it is also bright. Zechariah equates it with a “rising sun…from heaven” that shines on “those living in darkness” (1:78-79). How glorious. This heavenly light will help “guide our feet into the path of peace” (1:79). That is something I believe we are called to do as well. As partners in God’s mission, we are called to help guide others in the path of peace.

I don’t know exactly what my son will be when he grows up, but I echo the prayer of Zechariah, and I hope “the Lord’s hand” will be with him and that he too will grow to become “strong in spirit” (1:66, 80).