Zechariah's song praises God for fulfilling his promises of salvation and new life. God has visited his people and raised up a savior from the line of David to redeem them from their enemies. This salvation allows God's people to serve him without fear and live holy and righteous lives. John the Baptist will prepare the way for the Lord and proclaim this message of salvation through the forgiveness of sins so that all may have knowledge of God's tender mercy and a new life in his light and peace.