because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78–79
What is it about sunrise that gives new perspective and hope to the soul? At sunrise the path is now lit, your steps become sure, and endurance lengthens. Every hunter on the early hike knows how rough, unfamiliar, and longer than remembered the path can seem. Every sick and sleepless person knows the agony of the long night. Often the confusion of the elderly heightens as night closes in. Fears seem compounded and progress daunting in the darkness. But when day dawns everything changes.
God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Christ is the light of the world. His coming opened that light intentionally and abundantly upon the whole world such that soon every tribe, tongue, and nation will have representation before the Lord. No wonder scripture refers to Christ’s coming as a child, “the sunrise.” The dawn of the gospel began. God began to reveal the mystery. This dawning when it comes to our heart removes the darkness of sin. The Holy Spirit within us lights our path constantly by the Word powerfully worked in us. He gives us fruits of endurance and faith for the way before us. We have a sound mind for He pushes confusion away and reveals deception in our heart.
May every beautiful snow-brightened dawn this winter remind you of the light in us and before us. Set your mind out of this upon the heavenly light, the lamb whom we serve on earth and will join very soon in His glory.