In the Shadow of Death
Luke 1:67 – 79
“Because of the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to shine upon those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
– Luke 1:78 – 79, NRSVUE
After the birth of his son, Zechariah prophesies a new “dawn.” While the coming of this new day will certainly be for the people of God who most need new, peace-making life, what if it’s for the rest of creation in death’s shadow too (Lk 1:78–79)?
This planet has experienced the deaths of innumerable animals, plants, and habitats. Along with natural cycles of birth and death, extinction and endangerment have marked entire groups of creatures. The “shadow of death” stretches long over this life-seeking earth, and all of its inhabitants, human and non-human, need a “way” that leads to “peace” with one another (v. 79).
The good news of Advent and Christmas is that God’s peace is for those under death’s shadow. None are forgotten. Like love, peace is also all-inclusive. It pursues reconciliation and mutual healing until none are left in enmity or estrangement.
How might God be “guid[ing]” us “into the way of peace” not only with all people, but with all creation this Advent? What might peace look like for you?
Get the “Advent with the Earth” Devotional PDF
Credits
Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version updated edition of the Bible
Image of sun on the horizon is by Casey Horner on the Unsplash website
