NOTE: This post continues a series of writings through the book of Luke. See the previous post here.

Luke 1:14-16

“He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth.” These words are spoken by Gabriel to Zechariah after he announces the upcoming birth of a son whose name is to be John.

The birth of a child is a time of joy for family and friends. Think of the gender reveal, baby shower, and birth announcements we see on social media every day. The birth of John was even more newsworthy since his parents were old and they had given up the dream of having a child. While there were many reasons for the people in Zechariah’s life to rejoice over the birth of John, Gabriel told Zechariah that they would rejoice because this son would be great in the sight of the Lord. As a priest, Zechariah might have thought that John would follow in his footsteps and lead the people of Israel in this way. But God’s plan was much bigger.

John would be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb and bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. He would touch many hearts as he announced the coming of the Messiah and they would be filled with joy as they returned to relationship with the Father.

As we remember the coming of Jesus, let us remember that God sent John to announce the coming of the Messiah. Are we like John? Are we announcing the coming of the Messiah? Are we sharing the joy of our salvation with our family and friends?