THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 1:67-80
“The rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death…” (Luke 1:78-79)
When life is reasonably easy, and things are generally OK, hope is a small matter.
But when you live in the dark, in the shadow of death, hope is a desperate need.
Throughout history, the large majority of people have lived in darkness.
Violence, poverty, sickness, injustice, pain, abuse, inequity, war, tragedy.
In the western world today, many of us live in a bubble.
But Zechariah speaks for victims throughout history who long for God’s mercy, God’s help.
The Spirit in them keeps them longing for better, because we were made for better.
The Spirit in them keeps them dreaming when everything is a nightmare.
Like the slaves as they sang their spirituals.
Or like those who dreamed with Martin Luther King Jr. of a better day coming.
Roman oppression did not end with John’s birth, or Jesus’ birth.
History assures us that darkness continues for a time… but it’s days are numbered.
Join with the desperate hopeful through ages who have kept their eyes on the horizon.
Things may stay dark in the world for a time, but the dawn is coming.
Because the Son has come, the sun will come up.
Hang in here, don’t give up… keep looking up!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I pray for the desperate everywhere, those who are in a ‘darkness’ I cannot even imagine. Give them a sign, a small light, a hint on their horizon that the Son is coming!