“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” – Luke 1:76-79

Context is very important in understanding value and meaning. If we fail to see the context we void the understanding of what is before us. As we enter the advent season, what is the context?

God, in his mercy, has set before us a way to peace. These verses are part of a prophetic song of Zachariah about his son John, whose mission in life is to prepare the way for Jesus.

The way of peace comes through the forgiveness of our sins and an understanding of what God has done for us to bring about our salvation, our rescue.

Though we walk in the valley of shadows and darkness is all around us, there is a path that leads to peace. Joy to the world, the Lord has come!

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27

A path of peace has been set before us. During this Advent season, let us all look for the peace that God gives to his children, a peace within and a peace with one another. And most of all the gift of peace with God that He has given to us.