If there was ever a year in this generation that darkness and the shadow of death seemed to hover and blanket the world, 2020 is that year. Every newscast, every report focuses on infection and death rates. Conversations flit between virus and vitriol as people ponder over politics and masks.

We are a world in need of hope and light.

People at the turn of the first millennium also experienced a dearth of hope. Caught in the bonds of an oppressive government and a waning religion, the people struggled. In Luke chapter one, we find God’s answer – for them and for us.

“Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”  (Luke 1:78-79)

Well before 2020, God knew the need of mankind, and He provided the answer, the Dayspring (sunrising) – JESUS.

 He came – 
 to deliver from the power of sin,
 to release from the fear of death,
 to free from the darkness that damns
 and the wearying weakness of this flesh.
  
 He came – 
 announced by angels,
 celebrated by shepherds,
 worshipped by wisemen,
 heralded by John the Baptist.
  
 He came –
 to heal the brokenhearted,
 to bind the wounded,
 to bring deliverance to the captive,
 to ransom and redeem a people for Himself.
  
 He came into a world of darkness as LIGHT
 that cannot be extinguished.
  
 He came to ransom my heart. 

Dayspring has visited us –

How will we receive Him this Christmas?

O Holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born in us today

We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel.

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Phillips Brooks

Luke 2:¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Photo – Courtesy of Pexels