Mary exults in the kindness of God (Luke 1:39-80),  as shown in the announcement of the imminent coming of both Messiah and His forerunner, “for He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave” 48 and that He “has exalted those who were humble.  He has filled the hungry with good things.” 52-53

Likewise, Zacharias, filled with the Holy Spirit, praises God for sending his newborn son John to be the prophet of the Most High, to go before the Lord to prepare His ways;  to give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. 76-79

Zacharias goes on to glory in the revelation that God will also send to them the Sunrise from on  high . . to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.  He alludes to Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah (Isaiah 9:2), The people who walk in darkness will see a great light;  those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.  This was also Paul’s given mission from Jesus, I am sending you to them to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sin and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.        (Acts 26:18)

O Lord, open my eyes, that I might see Your truth clearly.  Remake me in Your own image.  Live within me and use me to open the eyes of those around me who seek after You.