The Sonrise

The closing lines of Luke’s first chapter describe the birth of Jesus using an incredible metaphor: a coming sunrise. Luke writes, “because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven” (Luke 1:78).

I love to look at the sunrise with all its splendid colors. I stepped out of my office yesterday to watch the sunrise. I watched as the light started to come. I could see the backlit trees where the intensity was growing. Then suddenly, the sun appeared—that overwhelming ball of light. I immediately had to turn my eyes away. What a powerful metaphor describing God’s Son coming to this dark planet, which we call Christmas. Jesus’ earthly life began as he was born of a virgin in a lowly stable.

The night before that sunrise had been long and dark. As the centuries passed, his people waited and always hoped; only occasionally were there flashes of hope from God’s Word. The prophet Malachi said, “But, you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall” (Malachi 4:2).

Having been raised on a farm, I have seen the calves leap when they are released into the pen. It is quite a sight to see. They leap as if to say, “I am “finally free.” We can also be thrilled about this event like no other in the history of the world. Christmas brings us joy, not just for celebrating the traditions but for the long-awaited sunrise.

God waits for us to acknowledge that we need his grace. He is not moved if we depend on our own righteousness. However, when we recognize we are desperate and willing to repent, he receives us with open arms.

Once, while I was away speaking in California and my family was back in Puerto Rico, I received a call from my son, Eric. He said, “Dad, we have a serious problem. We locked the keys in the car. I know you have an extra set under the car, but I can’t find them. I don’t know what to do.” I told him where to lie down, which arm to lift, and in which direction to move it until he found the keys. That is the way it works with God. You start by saying, “I don’t know what to do.” “I” need help.” “I have a serious problem here.” God knows what to do but won’t until we acknowledge our distress.

God will allow himself to be found if we humble ourselves: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, (Jeremiah 29:13-14). When you play hide and seek with a small child, you let yourself be found. It is that way with God when we really want to find him.