Christmas Viewpointنموونە

Zechariah, Singing a Song of Praise

'His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in

holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet into the path of peace.”'

After Zechariah’s long silence, his tongue was loose, and he could speak. Imagine the freedom to speak your mind without hesitation or restriction. His first words were to the honour and glory of God, but it is important to note that Zechariah also prophecies and speaks words of blessing over his son.

Encouraging others in the Lord is vital. Giving encouragement and blessing to those in their youth can be pivotal to their walk with the Lord.

The prophet Jeremiah spoke these words for all of us to hold onto. '“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”' (Jeremiah 29:11)

Viewpoint Reflection

Is there someone you need to encourage with a word from the Lord today?