“For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world.”
Hannah’s Prayer, 1 Samuel 2:8 (NRSV)
Pillars of the Earth
Hannah acknowledged God’s creative power, ordering the laws of the universe, establishing the earth on secure foundations, supporting and upholding the world’s existence. Job, whose time preceded Hannah’s, also spoke of God’s tremendous power, able to “shake the earth out of its place” and to cause even the pillars of the earth to tremble.
Hannah knew God had separated light from darkness, placed the celestial orbs in the heavens and appointed their roles. These lights appeared at different times, and some shone brighter than others. But one light shines the brightest, seen before any other star in the evening and still twinkling every morning when all other stars have winked out. The Morning Star. It is both the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega of all stars.
Years later, the aged John quoted Jesus in his Revelation saying, “It is I, Jesus … the Bright Morning Star.”
Zechariah drew from a number of prophecies that spoke of God sending a divine light to dispel darkness, just as dawn breaks over the night sky. The Morning Star was always there, the hope of every generation, and will still be shining when the dawn comes. It is the steady promise of God from the beginning of human history and will be with us for all eternity.
Christmas Carol
Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming
“Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming” German carol (15th century)
From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming,
As men of old have sung.
It came, a flow’ret bright,
Amid the cold of winter,
When half spent was the night.
Prayer
O Lord, You are the One Who is, was, and is to come, You are making all things new, enabling Your Own to triumph. Thank You for the light of hope You give us. (Revelation 1:8, 21:5-7, 22:12-14)
“The dawn from on high will break upon us.”
Zechariah’s Prophecy, Luke 1:78 (NRSV)
