“In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Lk 1:78-79).

Zechariah spoke these verses upon the birth of his son, John the Baptist. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he prophesized that John would “go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people” (Lk 1:76-77). For the Holy Spirit, the love between father and son, always encourages movement and action. He knew that John would play a vital role in the salvation story. John would till the field, as it were, to ready it for the One yet to come who would sow fertile seeds of the new Way and show us how to reap its fruits.

Zechariah knew, however, that there would be darkness and death. The Way would be perilous and often uncertain, even for those who believed. And yet, the prophet understood that our God is one of “compassion.” Because He loves us, he would “break upon us” and “shine” brightly in the darkness to “guide our feet.”

Let us remember today, in the midst of our own darknesses, upsets, disappointments, and uncertainties, these words of Zechariah. God is always with us, ready to break into our sadness and despair. He knows all and will guide us. As were the prophet and his son, we must remain open to this goodness and salvation. May we, even when surrounded by darkness in low places, turn towards the “dawn from on high” that will light our paths and lead us to “peace.”