Luke 1:76-78

“Dayspring,” I do love the language of the KJV of the Bible. This is one of those words that is like Noah’s dove. It can fly for a long time without landing; but when it does the olive branch that it brings back is worth the wait. This morning the dayspring has brought its light to the darkness of my slow hearing.

It is a longing word, a word of hope for a lengthy night to end. It is for people who have somehow strayed off the path and have become lost in the cold darkness of life. It is for all those who like the saints on the stormy sea dropped their anchors and prayed for day to come (Acts 27:29).

Advent is something like the prophet who runs ahead of the eastern sky with words of “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” Even this pandemic will dissolve when the Sun of Righteousness with light and life to all he brings is risen with healing in his wings.” As the Hymn implores:

“O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel”