Songs to Sing at Christmas The BENEDICTUS Luke 1:67-79

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel. For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people. And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant— As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old— Salvation from our enemies,

And from the hand of all who hate us; to show mercy toward our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to Abraham our father, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness Before Him all our days.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the LORD to prepare His ways; to give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:67-79 NASB

Zechariah’s Song Luke 1:68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and has redeemed His people.” has redeemed His people.” Old Testament References Ps. 1-41; 42-72; 73-89; ; Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel… Ps 41:13 Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, Ps 72:18 Praise be to the LORD forever! Ps 89:52 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,… Ps 106:48

Zechariah’s Song Luke 1:69, 70 “He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David.” (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), Old Testament References Ps. 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Zechariah’s Song Luke 1:71 “salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.” Old Testament References Psalm 106:10 He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy He redeemed them.

Zechariah’s Song Luke 1:72 “to show mercy to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant. Old Testament References Psalm 106:45-46 “for their sake He remembered His covenant and out of His great love He relented

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the LORD to prepare His ways; to give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:67-79 NASB

The Lord The God of Israel The Most High Our God Our fathers Our father Abraham His Servant David His holy prophets His people (Us) Our enemies 2x All who hate us

Principles to follow as we sing songs of praise to God this Christmas (learned from Zechariah) 1)Saturate your mind and heart with Scripture. 2) Know Biblical history and learn to trace the unfolding of God’s plan Abraham – David – Prophets – John 3) Meditate deeply on the attributes of God God of Intervention, Redemption, Salvation, Mercy, Faithfulness, Deliverance 4) Allow God’s Spirit to fill you and speak under His control