Luke 1:5-25 tells a story with cosmic significance. The priest Zechariah was performing temple service on behalf of all the Jewish people (and in a sense on behalf of all people). Gabriel, an angel, who stands in the presence of Almighty God, appeared to Zechariah and told him about the coming birth of the prophet John the Baptist. He was to play the role of a second Elijah, fulfilling the last prophecy of the Old Testament (Malachi 4:4-6) and preparing the way for the Messiah, who would save all people. John was also supposed to fulfill the requirements for a Nazarite, a person consecrated for special service to God (Numbers 6).

However, in the midst of the angel’s description of John’s cosmic significance (“many will rejoice because of his birth”) is the brief comment that “He will be a joy and delight to you.” That is, in addition to blessing all of humanity, John would be a blessing to his parents. This is a reminder that, while God loves and blesses all people, He also loves and blesses each of us individually. That is a wonderful thing to know.