FRIDAY December 20, 2024

Dayspring on High

“Through the tender mercy 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

Roman occupation was an unwelcome intrusion in Israel. Under Roman rule, the Jewish people had freedom to worship, but they were often cruelly treated. The Romans were very oppressive. The Jews were forced to pay taxes which funded the Roman army. It was the Romans who crucified people. This practice was excruciating for the victim. In 4 B.C., the Roman general Varus crucified 2,000 Jews.

As Zacharias concluded his prophecy, there was now a glimmer of light and hope for the Jews who lived in the dark days of oppression. The Dayspring—the Messiah––would bring peace to His people. He would give light––a Dawn would shine in the darkness of their oppressive lives.

Think about it. All the people living in our world today sit in darkness and the shadow of death because of sin. People live their lives in death’s shadow. They fear death, not knowing when it will come. Death is something we cannot control; it is an unwelcome intrusion and a cruel end to any life. God created us to live eternally. Death is an enemy that only our Dayspring––Jesus Christ––can vanquish.

Hebrews 2:14-15 NLT, reveals how Jesus took upon Himself human flesh and willingly went to the Cross to destroy death’s hold over us:

Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

At Christmastime, we hang lights outside our homes, and inside, lights on our Christmas trees, but what about placing the light of Christ in our hearts? His light will always guide our feet into the way of peace.

Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art ... joy of every longing heart.
~Charles Wesley~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!