Luke 1:68-79 (NRSV)
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Verse 68"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. Verse 69He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, Verse 70as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, Verse 71that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Verse 72Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, Verse 73the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us Verse 74that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, Verse 75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Verse 76And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, Verse 77to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. Verse 78By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, Verse 79to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."
Devotion
Tonight we celebrate the end of our waiting. The promised one comes to us as a humble and holy child. Our wait for our deliverer is over. Now is the time of the coming of the kingdom of peace, which is ushered in by this child whose name is “Mighty Savior.” There will be no need now for enemies or to fear those who hate us. This little baby who we celebrate tonight in churches all over the world is the hope for this kingdom of peace, which is coming among us.
Prayer
As we name this child “Mighty Savior,” may we know how to serve him without fear. As we celebrate the coming of this holy and humble child, may our feet be guided into the way of the kingdom of peace. Amen.