The Dayspring from on High

Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

Luke 1:78-79

Malaria is a terrible disease. I know. I had it. Look up the symptoms in an encyclopedia: high fever, severe chills, uncontrollable shaking, and sweat so profuse that you soak the sheets, the blanket, and the mattress. However, the worst part of the illness is never on the list; No one ever mentions it.

When I had malaria, I went almost three days without sleep. One of life's simplest comforts was denied to me by this horrible disease. By far the worst part was enduring the nights. I heard every tick of the clock, and felt every beat of my heart. My mind raced, but time stood still in the darkness and refused to move. I longed for sleep but when that was not possible, I longed for the dawn. When an empty eternity finally passed away, morning broke on the horizon and lighted up the world. I felt easy. I could rest. There was great comfort in that Dayspring.

At the birth of John the Baptist, his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to prophesy. He foretold that his son would be a prophet of the Highest and more importantly, he announced the coming of the Dayspring from on High - Jesus Christ.

The Jewish nation had passed through a long agonizing night. Four Gentile empires had ravished the Jewish people, yet no prophet of the Lord had come to speak a word in over 400 years. Herod the Great was the cruel and murderous despot who ruled the land at that time. The faithful were weary from waiting for light.

The Dayspring from on High offered them peace and comfort, just as He does today to all those who are tired and weighted down with sin.