This morning I read the following passage from “Zechariah’s Song” in Luke 1. These were apparently some of Zechariah’s first words after regaining his speech after the birth of his son, John the Baptist (he was mute because he doubted the angel’s message that he would have a son). The second half of the song speaks of John’s role in the coming of Jesus, but what stands out to me is the beautiful way that Jesus’ coming is described.
Luke 1:76-79 (NIV)
“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
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.”
The picture of the Son as the sun was quite vivid with the light of the early morning sun streaming into my living room as I read this. The image of the rising sun chasing away the darkness and shadow of the night is a great picture of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ lighting the dark corners of this world and of our individual lives. Those that receive this great gift of salvation have the great privilege of walking along the “path of peace.”
