Today is Dec. 24, Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent. It’s Christmas Eve!
Today’s readings proclaim, “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).
On this Christmas Eve, as the world anticipates the birth of Christ, we reflect on the beautiful image of light breaking in the East. The East has long been a sacred direction in the Christian tradition, symbolizing hope, new beginnings, and the coming of God’s light. From the rising sun to the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi, the East represents the place from which light emerges.
The words of Zechariah’s prophecy in the Benedictus speak of a dawn that pierces the darkness, bringing hope and peace to a world in shadow. This dawn is not a mere metaphor; it is a person. Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, comes to illuminate our lives, dispelling the darkness of sin and death.
Zechariah’s words capture the tender love of God, who does not leave us to wander in darkness. Instead, He sends His Son to bring us light and life. The “tender compassion of our God” is not abstract or distant; it is made manifest in the Incarnation. In the Christ Child, we see God’s mercy in human form — a light that reaches into the deepest corners of our lives to bring healing and peace.
Christ transforms our darkness into hope
This image of the dawn breaking upon us invites us to pause and consider the darkness in our own lives. Are there places where we feel lost, overwhelmed or weighed down by fear? The message of Christmas is that we are not alone in these shadows. Christ comes to meet us there, to guide our feet into the way of peace. His light does not blind us but gently leads us, transforming our darkness into hope.
The dawn also reminds us of our mission as Christians. Just as the light of Christ rises in our hearts, we are called to reflect that light to others. On this Christmas Eve, let us prepare our hearts to receive the light of Christ and to share it with a world still longing for hope and peace. In our words and actions, may we be like the Star of Bethlehem, guiding others to the Savior.
Let us pray,
Come quickly, we pray, Lord Jesus, and do not delay, that those who trust in your compassion may find solace and relief in your coming. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
