The Dawn from on High

The Dawn from On High

The Nativity of St. John the Baptist – 6/24/2025

Luke 1:57-80

Rev. Dr. Christopher W. Brademeyer

That portion from God’s holy word for consideration this evening is our lesson from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke in the first chapter with special emphasis on verses fifty-seven and fifty-eight which read as follows:

“Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.”[1]

Thus far the Scriptures.

In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Introduction

The birth of John the Baptist is not just a heartwarming story about an elderly couple finally receiving the child they always longed for. It is a loud and mighty thunderclap of God's mercy breaking four hundred years of prophetic silence. It is the opening act of salvation history’s final chapter. And it is a reminder that God's promises may seem delayed, but they are never denied.

Zechariah, once silenced for his unbelief, now finds his voice again. He does not regain his speech to talk about himself or even his son, but to sing of God’s mercy, His covenant, and His plan of salvation.

God Keeps His Promises

When Elizabeth gives birth to John, it is more than just a happy family event, it is a moment of divine fulfillment. The neighbors rejoice because they recognize “the Lord had shown great mercy.” That word, mercy, runs like a golden knife through this whole passage.

Zechariah confirms his son’s name is to be John, which is not a family name, but the one given by God, his tongue is loosed. The same mouth, once silent in doubt, is now filled with praise. And all who heard of these things “laid them up in their hearts.” Why? Because they sensed that something bigger was happening: “What then will this child be?” they asked. The answer was already taking shape: this child would be the forerunner of the Messiah, the one preparing the way for the Lord.

The Benedictus: God Visits His People

Zechariah’s song, traditionally called the Benedictus, from the Latin word for “blessed,” is a hymn of fulfillment of God’s promises. Notice the verbs: has visited, has redeemed, has raised up. All past tense. Notice the subject: it is God who does these things. Zechariah sings about the consistent faithfulness of God, the One who has and continues to grant great blessings to His people and to fulfill His promises among them.

He sings: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people…”God’s “visiting” is not a social call, it is a rescue mission. Just as He once visited His people in Egypt and brought them out by a mighty hand, now He visits them again to bring a greater redemption: freedom from sin, death, and the devil through the incarnate Son, Jesus Christ. Zechariah connects this redemption to the covenant with Abraham and the oath sworn to David. This is not some new plan, it is the long-awaited fulfillment of God’s ancient promises. God remembers. God acts. And God saves.

A Prophet of the Most High

Then, for a brief moment, Zechariah turns and addresses his son: “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways…” Here we see John’s identity and mission: he is not the Savior himself, but the one who prepares the way for the Savior. John will preach repentance, call Israel back to faithfulness, and point to the One who is coming after him, Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In verse seventy-seven, Zechariah tells us what this salvation will look like: “to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins.” That is the core of the Gospel. The mercy of God is no mere political revolution nor is it social reform. Even greater than transforming society, it is the forgiveness of sins, the one thing we all need, and the one thing only God can give.

The Dawn from on High

Zechariah closes with a poetic image: “because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high…” What a beautiful picture: the world is in darkness, stumbling in the shadow of death. And then, like a sunrise breaking over the horizon after a long and weary night of storms, Jesus comes. He brings light, guidance, peace, and forgiveness.

The image echoes the prophecy of Isaiah: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”[2] Jesus is that Light. He comes not to condemn the world, but to save it. To shine on those in darkness. To guide our feet into the way of peace. And not just peace with one another, but peace with God.

Conclusion: What Then Will This Child Be?

The people asked, “What then will this child be?” The answer, of course, is that John will be the herald of Christ. But that question is also for us. What then will you be? Rather, what have you become because of these things? You who have been baptized into Christ. You who have received His salvation and forgiveness. You who now walk in His light. You who are now beloved children of God your Father.

As befits all servants of the Most High, let us, like John, point to Jesus. Let us, like Zechariah, praise the God who keeps His promises for us. And let us live as people of the dawn, not the darkness, clinging to the salvation and mercy of God because the Light has come, and His name is Jesus.

In the holy Name of + Jesus. Amen.

 The peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

[1] Luke 1:57-58 English Standard Version

[2] Isaiah 9:2