There is something about the dawning of a new day as we move from the past into the present. As I have gotten older, I have realized that no matter how dark it may seem today, tomorrow is a new day for God to shine His light. Perhaps you are experiencing a dark time in your life. Don’t give up; instead, turn toward the light of Jesus. As the New Testament unfolds, we see a divine intruder entering the world to bring unparalleled light.
Before Jesus’ birth, Zechariah, the priest, doubted the angel Gabriel’s message that his barren wife would have a child in old age. In response to his doubt, Gabriel told Zechariah he would not be able to speak until the child was born. I would suppose that Zechariah did a lot of reflection on what the angel had said as his wife became pregnant.
When the child was going to be circumcised, Zechariah responded when asked what the child would be named, ‘His name will be John.’ John was the name the angel had told Zechariah to give the baby boy. As soon as he wrote “John” on a tablet, he was able to speak. With renewed faith and praise of God, Zechariah began to prophesy.
A Morning Light From Heaven
The people who were there for the circumcision must have been astounded when Zechariah began to prophesy about the coming of the Messiah. Through the Messiah, the people would find salvation through the forgiveness of sins.
Then Zechariah continued his prophetic words. Luke 1:78 Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” [1] Jesus fulfilled those powerful words spoken by Zechariah.
Matthew 4:15In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, 16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” [2]
Jesus came to set everyone free from their slavery to sin, and He lovingly guides us along the path of peace. This peace isn’t just about politics—it’s a deep spiritual peace that touches our hearts. Everything happens because of God’s tender mercy, which shows His love and care for us.
Light Overcomes Darkness
The fantastic thing about light is that it dispels darkness. When a dark closet opens in the daylight, darkness does not flood the room; instead, light fills the closet. This is what Jesus does in our lives. John 8:12Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” [3]
When we come to faith, we start walking in the light. When that happens, it is the dawning of a new day. The Light of the World came to forgive and transform us. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-gift-of-song
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.