Today we read Luke 1

“because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.””
Luke 1:78-79 NIV

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
Isaiah 9:2 NIV

I’ve often watched the sunrise. That moment when light hits the eastern sky I know the new day has dawned. Soon I will be able to walk around outside without the fear of what is lurking in the darkness or the possibility of stumbling on the sticks that my dog, Remi, has dragged up close to my porch.

The light of day is beautiful! Colors suddenly explode in the world around me. Everything comes to life in the light.

This chapter is truly the account of the time that “light had dawned.” The people of Jesus’ time did not know just how beautiful the Light of the World would be as He rose to shine. We are not that much different than they were.

Jesus longs to arise and shine in our hearts dispelling the fears that lurk there and helping us to see how to walk without stumbling. If we open our spiritual eyes and our spiritual hearts, His light will dawn on us. In Jesus, “deep darkness” is no more!