The rising of the sun is traditionally associated with Easter and the Resurrection, but there are two references to the rising sun in the Christmas story that are worth taking note of.
When Zechariah sings out to his infant son John with his newly rediscovered voice, he says
“..because of the tender mercy of God … the rising sun will come to us from Heaven..” **
And, in singing this, he probably has in mind, the prophecy of Malachi.
“..for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays..”. **
The Christmas carol also picks this up, when we sing
“..Light and life to all he brings. Risen with healing in his wings..”
Now when Malachi writes “sun”; and not “son”, as does Zechariah, it’s not clear if it is referring both to the literal SUN that eventually rises, even on the darkest of days, or metaphorically, to God’s SON born this Christmas season. The metaphorical meaning actually makes more sense, given that the fiery ball of gases that hangs in the heavens can hardly be referred to as either "righteous" or "unrighteous"!
As I wait for the rising of the sun, I appreciate the “healing” its rays bring. Healing both in the physical sense, giving life and health to the planet, and also the healing that the coming of Jesus brings to this broken and sin sick world. And yes, also in the healing that I believe takes place in my own body, as I rise each day with renewed strength and energy to face another day. In the words of Saint Patrick
“I arise today Through the mighty strength of the Trinity,
Through the belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.”
** Luke 2:36-38
** Malachi 4:2
No comments:
Post a Comment