What does Luke 1:79 mean?
In Hebrew culture, "light" is the embodiment of truth and goodness (Psalm 27:1; 43:3). This is connected in symbolism to seeing the right path (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 4:18). Old Testament prophecy anticipated the arrival of a Savior (Isaiah 9:6–7) whose ministry included this concept of being a "light" (Isaiah 9:2). The fulfillment of that prediction comes in the form of Jesus Christ (John 1:1–5; Matthew 4:16; Luke 1:78). The truth and wisdom His "light" reveals provide a means for people to be forgiven of sin (Luke 1:77; John 3:16–17) and freed from eternal death (John 8:51).The same prophecies noted that Messiah would be associated with peace (Isaiah 9:6) and a freedom from fear (Zephaniah 3:14–15). Others mentioned light (Malachi 4:2), while noting that there would be a herald (Malachi 4:6) who would come before the Savior (Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1). This herald is John the Baptist (Luke 1:13–17; 3:2–3). He will make it clear (John 1:19–23) that He is not the Christ, but a voice meant to point people towards God (Matthew 3:1–5). John's father, Zechariah (Luke 1:67) is celebrating this fulfillment of prophecy in an extended series of Old Testament quotes and echoes (Luke 1:68–78).