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Three-fourths of a year before portentous events had intimated the return of prophecy and miracles to Israel — Zacharias in the temple. One-fourth of a year since, another manifestation from heaven — Mary and Gabriel. Expectation high! Gleam of sunshine in darkness, Music in storm. Hills of Zion shining with early rays of twilight. And now "the morning star" shining bright in the cold, chilly dawn, heralds the speedy rising of the Sun of Righteousness with health and healing in His wings! For it was now to be seen that what God promised should be performed.

I. THE BIRTH OF JOHN.

1. Remember circumstances of his being promised, and the astonishing testimony to the divinity of future Jesus, when the two mothers met.

2. Now the promises begin to be accomplished. John born. Neighbours and kinsfolk rejoice with her. A subject of attention, for it was

(1)  miraculous;

(2)  promised.

II. NAMING OF CIRCUMCISION.

1. Circumcision, eighth day. A duty. Analogy in baptism (Colossians 2:11, 12). Baptism also should be in infancy.

2. Naming took place then. So Christian name is given at baptism, not by registration.

III. THE MIRACLE (ver. 64). Reward to faith.

IV. ZACHARIAS' SONG OF PRAISE. Christ came, not to make men sullen, low, morose, desponding; but to pour out blessings in rich abundance, and to turn the captivity of His people " as the rivers in the south." Has this song been realized in you? Is God visiting you? Has darkness vanished, and the true light shone in you? Make sure! Don't grasp the shadows of time, and lose the substance of eternity.

(G. Venables, S. C. L.)

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KJV: And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

WEB: Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house.