Devotionals by Raul Ries

SUNDAY December 21, 2025

Dayspring 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

Roman occupation in Israel was very unwelcome. Although the Jewish people had freedom to worship, they were often cruelly treated. The Romans were very oppressive and forced the Jews to pay taxes to help fund their army. Romans introduced crucifixion. In 4 BC, the Roman general Varus crucified 2,000 Jews.

As Zacharias concluded his prophecy, he gave the people in Israel a glimmer of light and hope as they coped with dark days of oppression. The Dayspring—their long awaited Messiah––would bring peace to His people. In His light, a Dawn in the darkness of their oppressive lives would shine.

All people living in our world today sit in darkness and the shadow of death. People live their lives in death’s shadow because we are all sinners. Physical death and spiritual death are our reality. Who can save us from it? The Dayspring, Jesus Christ––He alone can save us!

John 3:16 and Hebrews 2:14-15 show us the power of the Gospel message:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

At Christmastime, we hang lights outside our homes and inside, lights on our Christmas trees, but His light will always guide our feet into the way of peace.

Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.
~Charles Wesley~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!