The Rising Sun

Daily Reading: Luke 1

Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high 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)

Devotional Thought:  Zechariah rejoiced that his son, John the Baptist, would prepare the way for the Messiah, who would "come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death."  What good news!  In this day of darkness and in this world of death, the sun has risen and come to us!  God has not left his creation alone but has sent his Son, Jesus Christ, into the world.  Jesus is perpetually the “Rising Sun!”

This Rising Sun...

• comes to us from heaven.  Jesus is the eternal Son of God.  He has been with God from the beginning - from before the beginning!  He has the perfect perspective offered by the timelessness of heaven.  He also sees clearly because of the vantage point of heaven.

• shines on us.  We live in a world of darkness.  The truth is often obscured by those who would lead us astray, who would take advantage of us, and who would rob us of all hope.  We live in a world of death.  No matter how universal health care becomes, it cannot prevent death from eventually coming to every person.  The only One who can do that is Jesus – whom to know is life!

• guides us to peace.  Darkness and death rob us of peace.  We are robbed of peace with others because of suspicion and resentment.  We are robbed of peace within because of futility and suffering.  We are robbed of peace with God because of sin and guilt.  But Jesus restores peace!  As we follow him, we walk in the way of peace.  Allow that truth to sink deep into your soul today, and live in peace with others, with yourself, and most importantly with God.

Prayer:  Thank you, Lord Jesus, that the sunrise from on high has shined upon us to give us light in our darkness, hope in our despair, and life in our death.  May you guide us in the way of peace.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 132.13-18

13 For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place:

14 "This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.

15 I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread.

16 Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy.

17 There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.

18 His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine."