The sunrise has inspired poems and paintings. There’s something awesome about darkness of night ending and light for a new day beginning. When Zechariah prophesied about Jesus, what a beautiful word picture he painted – the sunrise “to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:79)

Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high.

Luke 1:78

Today Christians remember “Good Friday,” the day that Jesus, the only one who was truly good, was punished for all sin for all time. His body was held captive in the dark tomb only for a little while. Sin keeps people in darkness, but because of what Jesus did, the Bible describes believers as children of the day (I Thessalonians 5:5). The prophet Isaiah said, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2) And Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Today as you remember that dark day of Christ’s crucifixion, thank Him for your spiritual sunrise. Pray for unbelievers’ eyes to be open to the great light of His love and salvation this Easter season.

Recommended Reading: John 1:1-13