2. 2. Living Hope Luke 1:57-80 (p. 944)

3. 1. Strange things happening ▲ Zechariah and Elizabeth ■ An old man delays in “the holy place” and comes out mute (v 9,20) ■ His wife becomes pregnant in her old age (v 24) ■ They both insist that the child be called “John” (v 60, 63) (John means “God is gracious”) ■ Zechariah regains his voice and prophesies ▲ People are talking and wondering – “What is the child going to be?” (v 66)

4. 2. Part of a Greater Plan ▲ Zechariah’s prophecy: God is acting according to his promises ■ He has come to his people and redeemed them ■ He has raised up a mighty king (horn) from the house of David Because of his “mercy” Because of his covenant to Abraham (Gen 12:2-3)  To bring rescue from enemies and forgiveness of sins  To enable us to serve him without fear – in holiness and righteousness ▲ John will be the prophet to prepare the way

5. 3. The Plan is for us too ▲ The experience of old friends ■ We each have a longing to be “in” ▲ Zechariah’s words announce and celebrate – God has acted to become our friend He invites us “in”