We continue sharing in the joy of those who were part of the Christmas story by experiencing the joy of Zechariah. Zechariah was a good man who had suffered the agony of infertility for many years before being blessed with a miracle child of his own shortly before the birth of Jesus. After the birth of his son, John the Baptist, Zechariah sings for joy, but it is not the joy we might expect him to sing about…
Scripture Reference
Luke 1: 64-79
Complementary Passage: Isaiah 11: 1-5
Sermon Audio
Sermon Notes
An Unexpected Father’s Joy
This Christmas rejoice in God’s faithfulness, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
- Rejoice in God’s Faithfulness
- God was being faithful in sending the promised Messiah (verses 68-70, Isaiah 11: 1-2, 2 Samuel 7: 16)
- God was being faithful in establishing the promised new covenant (verses 71-72a, Jeremiah 31: 31-34)
- God was being faithful to His promised covenant with Abraham (verses 72b-75, Genesis 17: 1-8)
- Rejoice in God’s Forgiveness
- John the Baptist was God’s gift to reveal sin and offer forgiveness (verses 76-78a)
- God’s forgiveness is freely available through Christ
- Rejoice in God’s Reconciliation
- Our natural state isn’t just sin, it’s rebellion against God
- Christ came to reveal our war with God (verses 78b-79) – to provide light and guide toward peace (Isaiah 9: 1-7, John 8: 12)
- Christ came to end our war with God and make peace (Colossians 1: 19-23)