Zechariah's Prophecy

Before there was Christmas, there was a promise: the coming of a King. God’s own words were passed down from generation to generation. Mothers and fathers recited this promise to their children and their children’s children at the dinner table, throughout the day, and as they tucked them in at night. His people were expectant—waiting—hopeful.

Throughout the years, God spoke through prophets like Zechariah to spread the news of this promise so His people would be ready for their King’s arrival. He called His people “Daughter Zion” and “Daughter Jerusalem” because they were His children, citizens of heaven and His holy city. 

God wanted His people to know that their King would not be like any other king who lived before. This special King would not live in splendor or be crowned with jewels. He would not hold a high social status like kings of that day, but instead would live among sinners, the poor, outcasts, and working class citizens—“lowly” people who would generally not be allowed to associate with a king. He would not charge into His kingdom on horseback inciting war, but would arrive on a young donkey—a picture of peace and servanthood. And yet, He would be victorious through His righteousness and through His sacrifice. He would come to His people to bring salvation.

This prophecy in Zechariah 9 came true over 500 years later. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt (Mark 11) and the people shouted, “Hosanna! Hosanna!” They worshiped the Messiah, King of the Jews, on that day, but later that week He was crucified. His sacrifice was to free us from our sins. From His birth until His death, He lived a humble life, but His heart held so much love for God’s people. As we countdown to December 25th, we remember the days leading up to Jesus’ birth, before there was a Christmas. A whole nation of people were waiting for that day, just as we wait for the day when Jesus returns.