While Mary sang her “Magnificat,” Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, sings his “Benedictus.” The birth of John causes Zechariah to bless God for the birth of Jesus. Why? Because John’s birth was a sign of the Messiah’s advent. In other words, even in his birth, John was pointing to the Lamb of God. Even in his birth, John would decrease so that Jesus might increase.

In this sermon, pastor Matt teaches that the gospel of Jesus reveals how God is able, merciful, and faithful to save. We are to bless God for in Christ, he has accomplished our redemption, kept his promises, and made the way for us to serve him without fear.