Advent Devotional  |  December 18, 2020

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. Luke 1:76-79

Singing produces significant health benefits. Studies show that you can experience the benefits of singing in both your physical and mental health. Want to recall information more efficiently? Turn it into a song. Feeling like you need a mental health boost? Play one of your favorite jams from your glory days. There is little to dispute that music does something to us. Our participation in that music only enhances the effect. When Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied about his son, he sang a song. You can read those lyrics in the first chapter of Luke above.

Zechariah was a childless priest. An angel brought the message of his coming son, yet Zechariah was unable to believe it. God made him unable to speak for nine months until his son was born, and I’m guessing that included singing! When I read the words from this passage in Luke and imagine Zechariah singing, I can almost feel his great joy and freedom welling up within me. It may have even been his first song after months of being unable to sing. The feeling of putting the hope of the gospel into music must have been glorious!

Zechariah’s song was about his son who came to announce the Advent of Jesus. Today, we get to sing about Advent having experienced the other side of it. In our minds, God’s Spirit can and does remind us of who Jesus is and the peace He brings. I know that many people are shy about singing, but don’t hold back when it comes to God’s truth this Advent season. The song is not about you; it is about Jesus. Leverage the benefit of music and singing by combining it with the power of the Gospel message. Don’t merely sing about empty traditions. Instead, belt out the truth of Christ. Let your spirit be filled with the joy that Zechariah must have felt when he sang his song.

Pastor Dave Mergens