The Visitation of God: Jesus, the Horn of Salvation

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. (Luke 1:68–71)

These powerful words from Zechariah, the husband of Elizabeth, are filled with a profound sense of faith and assurance. Just nine months earlier, Zechariah had doubted that his wife would conceive a child. But now, filled with the Holy Spirit, he confidently declares that God has visited and redeemed his people.

This remarkable transformation in Zechariah's faith is a testament to the power of God's promises. Even before the promised act of God has come to pass, Zechariah speaks of it as if it has already happened. He has learned to trust God's word and has a deep assurance that God has indeed visited and redeemed his people.

The coming of Jesus, the Messiah, is seen as a visitation of God to our world. For centuries, the people of Israel had longed for God's presence and deliverance. They had suffered under the weight of Roman rule and felt that God had withdrawn from them. But now, the long-awaited visitation of God was about to happen.

In the midst of this great expectation, Zechariah and others like him were waiting for the consolation and redemption of Israel. They were eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of God's promises and the arrival of the Messiah.

The birth of Jesus was not just an ordinary event; it was a divine visitation. God himself was coming to redeem his people and bring salvation. This visitation was the culmination of centuries of prophecy and anticipation.

Throughout the Old Testament, God had spoken through his holy prophets, foretelling of a coming Messiah who would save his people. Zechariah acknowledges that the birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of these prophecies. The horn of salvation that God has raised up for us is none other than Jesus, who comes from the lineage of David.

The imagery of a "horn of salvation" is significant. In biblical times, a horn was a symbol of strength and power. It represented the ability to conquer and overcome enemies. By raising up a horn of salvation in the house of David, God is declaring that Jesus is the one who has the power to save and deliver his people.

But the salvation that Jesus brings is not just from physical enemies or earthly oppressors. It is a salvation from sin and spiritual death. Jesus came to save us from the hand of all who hate us, including the ultimate enemy, Satan.

The birth of Jesus is a reminder that God keeps his promises. He had promised to send a Savior, and he fulfilled that promise in the person of Jesus. This visitation of God to our world is a demonstration of his faithfulness and love.

As we reflect on the birth of Jesus and the visitation of God, we are reminded that God is present and active in our lives. He has not abandoned us or left us to fend for ourselves. Just as he visited and redeemed his people in the past, he continues to visit and redeem us today.

The visitation of God in the birth of Jesus is a source of hope and assurance. It reminds us that God is with us, working in our lives and bringing about his purposes. We can trust in his promises and have confidence in his faithfulness.

The birth of Jesus is not just a historical event; it is a personal invitation. It is an invitation to experience the salvation and redemption that God offers through his Son. It is an invitation to enter into a relationship with the God who loves us and has visited us in the person of Jesus.

This Christmas, let us remember the visitation of God and the redemption he offers. Let us rejoice in the birth of Jesus, the horn of salvation, who has come to save us from our sins and bring us into a relationship with God. May we respond to this invitation with faith and receive the gift of salvation that God offers through his Son.