December 16

Today's Reading: Luke 1:67-80

This song of Zechariah is often called the Benedictus, which is based on the first words of the song in Latin. The song is filled with Old Testament references that confirm that both the birth and ministry of John and the birth and ministry of Jesus are the fulfillment of God's promises that had been made centuries earlier.

This means that the incarnation of Jesus was never God's "alternate plan". From the time He created us, God loved us enough that He was willing to sacrifice the life of His own Son so that we can have a relationship with Him. That's an idea that's worth taking some time to ponder and rejoice in today.