The sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace – Luke 1.78-9
These were Zechariah’s first words in months. God muted his voice when he refused to believe God’s message that he would soon be a dad. He knew he and his wife were too old.
But it proved true, John the Baptist was born, Zechariah’s voice returned, and now he was the one with the message of something unbelievably good happening soon.
For Zechariah and the people at that time, his words were a prophecy of what was to come.
For us his words remind us that what was to come HAS COME, and is true now.
The sunrise has visited and is giving light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.
The sunrise is guiding our feet in the way of peace.
Right now.
Wherever darkness and shadows grip your thinking, your family, your hopes and dreams, there is a sunrise giving light.
Your feet may feel stuck in disagreement, disharmony, fighting, and war, but there is a light guiding you in the way of peace.
In the darkness you can be like Zechariah and just see the dark. Or you can look for the hint of grey and blue. The peach, vermilion, and red are nearby.
Tidings of comfort and joy. The sunrise is here.
And Christmas is the celebration of its first rising.
There was never a night or a problem that could defeat a sunrise or hope – Bernard Williams
Where do you see a sunrise today?
