[Zechariah said] "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness of their sins, 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 1:76-79)

Have you ever gone through a terrible night—in the emergency room, perhaps, or lying awake all night after the death of someone you loved? The night seems endless, and your thoughts only add to the torment. You can't sleep. And then, finally, the sunrise comes.

This is what Jesus is for us, in Zechariah's lovely poetry. There are times we feel lost, cut off from God, without peace and without hope in our lives. But then, unexpectedly, God Himself comes into our darkness—not roughly, but gently; not causing fear, but bringing tenderness, mercy, and peace. Jesus comes to us as a human baby—and who could be afraid of a baby? And He brings with Him the promise of forgiveness and life, through His death and resurrection. Jesus is our Light, and He will never leave us alone in the dark again.

WE PRAY: Lord, let me have Your light always. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* When you were a child, were you afraid of the dark?

* Why is "sunrise" a good name for Jesus?

* How does Jesus help you during dark times?

Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 107, 126    Revelation 10

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