Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people (Luke 1:68).

Zacharias knew that John would announce the coming Redeemer.

But what does a redeemer do?

He buys back something that has been temporarily forfeited.

Dr. H. A. Ironside has written: "The word 'redemption' is one that runs all through the Bible; in fact, we can say without an suggestion of hyperbole that it is the great outstanding theme of Holy Scripture. This important truth runs through the Book like the proverbial red strand that, we are told, runs through the cordage of the British navy. Everywhere, from Genesis right on to Revelation, you find God in one way or another presenting to us the truth of redemption -- redemption in promise and in type in the Old Testament; redemption in glorious fulfillment in the New Testament."

He concludes: "Already we have the redemption of the soul; we have been redeemed from judgment. We are experiencing day by day, as we walk in obedience to the Lord, practical redemption, redemption from the power of sin. When our blessed Saviour returns, our redemption will be complete -- spirit and soul and body will be fully conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Peter wrote: Forasmuch as we know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18,19).

So Christ, born in that humble stable, is the promised Redeemer. And His redemption is all encompassing ... complete. Don't forget to thank Him for redemption full and free.