Luke must have liked Hebrew songs. For, in the first chapter of his book, he records another song. This one is from Zechariah, the father of John called The Baptist.
Let’s think about this one a little. Can you imagine Zechariah going home after his tour of duty at the Temple? Remember, he was chosen by lot to go into the Holy of Holies in the Temple to burn incense and offer prayers and sacrifices to God for the people. Instead, he saw an angel sitting there who told him he was about to become a father. Zechariah had some disbelief, so the angel struck him “dumb” that is, he couldn’t speak.
So, he goes home. Then he tries to tell Elizabeth, his wife, that they need to do what it takes to make a baby because God told him to. But he can’t speak. That must have been interesting. See, Elizabeth was most likely past child-bearing years. An American woman would just say, “Oh, right…” (well maybe not, but I could see that on a TV sitcom in my mind anyway).
However it happens, Elizabeth becomes pregnant. But Zechariah has to stay quiet for nine months. Then when the baby is born and is properly named, Zechariah can suddenly speak. All of this is miraculous and the people around are all amazed.
So does Zechariah say, “Wow, you’d never believe what happened to me in the Holy of Holies.” No, he sings a song. When you’ve had a deep spiritual experience, it’s difficult if not impossible to express it in mere prose. I’ve tried it. Just doesn’t happen.
Zechariah’s song is much different from Mary’s. He first recognizes God for fulfilling his promises given since Abraham to his people. Then he announces what the angel told him–that John will become the Prophet of the Most High announcing the forgiveness of sins. Then he announces the coming Messiah who will “give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
I wonder if he, like Mary, went around singing that song as John grew up. After all, somebody remembered it so they could tell Luke. And songs are written to encourage memorization. But only with repetition. And, when you are in the Spirit, you sing truth you didn’t realize you knew.
Faith Venture 
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