Luke’s gospel begins with two angelic announcements and two prophetic songs. In these narratives, through both the words of the angel and the doxologies of Mary and Zechariah, we are given a further glimpse into God’s plan of salvation that would soon find its fulfillment in Christ Jesus.  John’s miraculous birth prompted Zechariah to use his loosed tongue to proclaim no longer words of doubt but to bless the Lord God of Israel. John would be the prophet of the Most high, going before the Lord “to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins” (Luke 1:76-77). In this sermon, Pastor Dave highlights the mercies of our covenant-keeping God, who sent his only-begotten Son in love to redeem his people that they might serve him without fear.