O Radiant Dawn! - Karen Pourbabaee
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 6:12 NAB
There is a sacred beauty in the dawn. It’s especially welcome in the midst of winter’s expansive nights. In some cultures such as my husband’s native Iran, they mark the longest night, or winter solstice, by festive celebrations called Yalda on December 21st. Extended family and friends gather for a fine meal, then spend the longest night surrounded by candlelight as they tell tales, read poetry, and enjoy fruit and nuts. Watermelon and pomegranates are especially important, for their crimson hues symbolize the dawn and glow of life. In essence, Yalda celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. All peoples yearn for the dawn, for the light of life.
As days grew darker and shorter, God’s faithful awaited the light, the dawn of the first Christmas morn, the dawn that broke forth with the light of Christ! As Isaiah prophesied, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light…” (Isaiah 9:1) That light not only shattered the darkness of the night, but of sin, death, sickness, and despair, bringing healing and warmth to cold hearts.
Are there dark corners in your heart and places in your soul you haven’t welcomed the healing light of Christ? Are you struggling in the darkness of sin and despair? Look to Jesus, the Radiant Dawn. Even in the darkness of night, you can find your way to the manger. You’ve prayed and God has heard. If He sent angels to tell the shepherds and gave three kings a brilliant star to follow, God will lead you through the shadows to Jesus, the light of the world. There will be no more darkness, only the light of life.
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