Luke’s Gospel begins with Zacharias performing his priestly duty, making the temple sacrifice. This points to Christ as Priest. Both Judaism and Roman paganism saw the ox, the humble calm beast of burden, as a top grade sacrifice. The ox is an ancient symbol of redemption and life through sacrifice. This points to Christ as the sacrifice for mankind. He is the suffering servant who bore our sin and sickness and allows us to triumph beyond animal passions and obtain peace.