The dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death. —Luke 1:78–79
Not long ago, I roused from bed before daybreak to see the sunrise. I was reminded again of what Zechariah saw in his mind’s eye when he looked ahead to the Messiah’s birth.
Zechariah knew and saw and spoke of the darkness then, just as we do now. But the darkness was breaking. As with the sunrise that happens each morning, the darkness dissipates gradually.
Jesus’ coming was the same way. His was a quiet, humble birth, occurring in relative obscurity. Few in that day recognized what was happening. And even hundreds of years later, many people still don’t realize the sun has risen upon us and the dawn has come. They remain locked in the “shadow of death,” unaware Christ has come to bring them into the light.
The promise of the sunrise is what makes the darkness bearable, including the gray days of waiting which Zechariah knew too well. Join him today in looking to the heavens, “because your redemption is near” (Luke 21:28).
Make it Personal
Thank God that He didn’t leave us in darkness, in the shadow of death, but brightened our lives with His saving presence.