“Now, but not yet …”

Luke 1: 78b-80: “The Sunrise from on high shall visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace.” Although today is usually considered Christmas Eve, that is technically only true at sundown. More precisely today, in conjunction with yesterday, comprises the fourth week of Advent. Here we see Advent’s message come forth one last time – the Dayspring is right at the door, but the darkness is yet present. It may still be a day of desert-dwelling at times (v. 80), but we know Who’s on the way, and even prepare the way for His visitation.