“Through the tender mercies of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” ( Luke 1:78-79).

The expectation of the sun rising on a cloudy, rainy and cold day is universal. It is longed for across countries, cultures and times. People from any geographical location are often looking forward to the Sun rising and warming their lives again and again, especially after a period of cold and darkness.

Such was the time when Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, was inspired by the Holy Spirit to these prophetic words. The rising of the Sun, Jesus Christ, who after a period of 400 years of ignorance and sin would visit His people “to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace”. But now, darkness was slowly breaking as His visit was approaching, and Zacharias knew it was time that the gloom, distress, and oppression Isaiah spoke of long ago, would dissipate and make way for our Savior- Jesus Christ – to shine His salvation into our world.

And this was truly the greatest and most important reason for His visit from on high…a visit not unlike the one God declared would happen to punish Egypt for its stubbornness in letting His people go, but one that resembled the gift David was expecting when he prayed in psalm 106:4 “visit me with your Salvation”!

On a smaller, more personal note, I am praying that Christ will shine His wisdom on every situation we are facing today—whether it involves confusion, sorrow, loneliness, financial or medical challenges, or a rebellious son or daughter. We need His light to illuminate every detail of our lives, and we still need Him to guide our steps into the way of peace. So, abide in Him, my friend, and let these verses transform you. As John Wesley once wrote: “His mere power to accomplish it is not a sufficient foundation for our faith that He will do it unless He has promised it.” This amazing visit that inspired Zacharias’ song was promised in more than 400 Old Testament passages. Trust Him, He will always live up to His name!

Reflections…as you read Luke 1: 76-79

• think of some specific situations you need God to shine His light and give you insights on how to move forward …
• how would Christ’s peace guarding your heart, affect the anxiety-filled world we are living in?

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me”. (John 15:4)