Dayspring

Because of the tender mercy of our God, 

by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven (Dayspring)

to shine on those living in darkness 

and in the shadow of death, 

to guide our feet into the path of peace.

Luke 1:78-79

[photo credit]

Monday morning I read  Zachariah's song found in Luke 1. His song ends with these two verses. There is one phrase, one word that can not escape me: Dayspring (the first appearance of daylight in the morning; the beginning or rise of anything; advent). God has given Jesus to us as our Dayspring, this is an accurate and appropriate name for Him. For He is the first and only appearance of light in our darkness that can deliver hope, mercy, grace and truth. Through Him there is a rising from the shadow of death, and with it a new beginning. He is our only guide into the path of peace. 

I have to say, if there is a Christmas name for Jesus that I favor, it would have to be Dayspring. I pray that these two verses may never escape you, and be a reminder that in your darkest hour Jesus is your Dayspring! May you celebrate Jesus every day. Merry Christmas. 

la luce

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

This passage reminds me of that song, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine". But the truth is, that the there is nothing little about the light given to us by Jesus. Yesterday, during worship at church we sang Mighty to Save by Hillsong United. I worshipped Jesus in Spirit and in truth for He is mighty to save. Then Nate, our worship leader, began to sing the bridge:

Shine Your light 

And let the whole World see

We’re singing

For the glory of the risen King

Jesus

There I stood with hands lifted up, not in worship, but in prayer asking Jesus to shine His light. The bridge was repeated and suddenly Matthew 5:14-16 came to mind. It was as if it was being unwrapped right before my eyes, from a tightly closed giftbox (with a pretty little bow on top) to that signature piece that I could wear for years to come. To be light, is a command that I have always understood. I have to confess though, that at times I have been apathetic to it. But yesterday I was reminded, we are the light that He shines for the whole World to see!
 
In my last blog, I challenged you to speak and to encourage. Today I am challenged to shine and not hide the light of Jesus. I challenge you as well. Are your actions bright lights or are they dimmed? Are your conversations and words a beacon of light or do they fade away with the mundane talk of this world? How can you shine for the glory of the risen King? Where can you shine Jesus? Are you aware of who around you is in desperate need of His marvelous light? Let us not lose the opportunity to SHINE Jesus everywhere.
 
Be the light to a dark and dying World.
You are a city set on a hill, which cannot be hidden.
Allow Jesus to take you from underneath the basket and to set you on His lampstand, so that you can give light to everyone around you.
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Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
1Peter 2:9