Read: Luke 1:57-80

If you do a google search for “Are we replaceable?” you will find article after article battling out two points of view. One line of thought states that there is no way you are replaceable, and one says you are completely replaceable. The debate seems to be focused on whether it is a good thing or a bad thing to be replaceable. Some claim that being replaceable is empowering, and others say that it is a detriment to our view of ourselves and others. These types of arguments can leave us as individuals wondering if we have a place in this world–maybe even more so at Christmas. Jesus was born with a purpose, and we celebrate that, but what about “normal” people? Do we have a place? Are we replaceable? Do we matter in the big picture of the world?

In the midst of the story about the birth of our Savior is a story about another baby being born: a child who isn’t a member of the Trinity;  a child who isn’t going to be a sacrifice to save the world; and a child who won’t be seated at the right hand of God always making intercession for us. Just a child. A child who was promised to two elderly parents; a child who might not act “normal” according to the society around him and might spend too much time in the wilderness.

A child whom these words were spoken over.

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

This man has been unable to speak for months, and when his mouth is opened, praise pours from his lips. He does not give a simple praise of thanksgiving, “Thanks for giving me my voice back, and thanks for this baby, and thanks for keeping my wife healthy,” which would have been totally acceptable and good. Instead, he speaks of God’s eternal plan: God’s history, God’s present, and God’s future. When Zachariah looks at his son, the first thing that comes out of his mouth is praise to God for His eternal plan.

Notice these parts in his praise:

• Past: “the oath he swore to our father Abraham”
• Present: “He has come to His people and redeemed them.”
• Future: “to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve Him”

This is a plan which has always been and always will be where God reveals who He is, that He loves His people, and that He brings salvation to the world. In the middle of this speech, Zechariah looks at his son John and says, “And you, my child.” Do you hear the tenderness of these words? Can you see the elderly father holding the child he thought would never come, his eyes glistening with tears, speaking these words over his son?

Zachariah knew that his son was not on this earth to take what he could from this world. John is part of the story of God’s salvation to the world. It is within this eternal and unfolding story that John’s place would be found. It is also within this story that your place and my place is to be found.

None of us will be John the Baptist, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t part of the unfolding story that God has put into place. Do we get discouraged that our part isn’t as big as we want? Are we too satisfied to sit back and not participate in God’s story? Maybe we are frustrated because the part we thought we would get to play isn’t playing out how we envisioned it.

What is the hope we take from these words of scripture during this Christmas season? First, if you look back in the passage above, you will notice that God is referenced every time. We must realize that it is all God’s- the world, the story, the future, the past- it’s all His. We are only a part of that.

Second, as His children we are a part of that story. He has a place for us. We are not replaceable to Him. He isn’t waiting for a better version to come along. He isn’t hoping that we finally figure out what our plan is so He can know what to do with us. He is leading, guiding, and watching over us on this earth. What if we mess up? His love never fails. What if we lose sight of His plan? His love never fails. What if we forget that our place is under His lordship? His love never fails.

I would be willing to bet that Zechariah didn’t want the plan to include his child being beheaded by an evil man, but it happened (Luke 9:9). I am also willing to bet that John didn’t want to have moments of doubt in his life, but he did (Luke 7:19). Life will bring struggles, hardships, and failures as well as joy, delight, and celebration. We have a place in all of that, but it can all seem overwhelming at times. For that reason, let us remember the words that this proud father spoke over his son and to his son:

Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79

Isn’t that beautiful?! Doesn’t it remind us of other passages throughout scripture?

Then my favor will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quickly healed. Isa. 58:8. 

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Eph. 5:8 

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8

These passages and so many more reveal to us how precious the love of God is, and how life altering it can be. May we take time to dwell on and rejoice in the part God has given us in His great story. This Christmas, let us celebrate the child that came, the Father that sent Him, and the Spirit that shares Him with us so that we are able to be part of His eternal plan.