Luke 1:78Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Which mercy we find not indeed by our own seeking, but God from on high hath appeared to us, as it follows; Whereby (i. e. by His tender mercy) the dayspring from on high (that is, Christ) hath visited us, taking upon Him our flesh.

Because God hath forgiven our sins not for our works’ sake, but through His mercy, it is therefore fitly added, Through the tender mercy of our God.

Before the coming of Christ, John the Baptist served as a beacon for those bound by the law in Judah, fulfilling God's prophecy: I have prepared a lampstand for my anointed. This was prefigured by the law, which instructed that a perpetual lamp should be maintained in the first tabernacle. Initially, the people rejoiced in him, gathering for his baptism and marveling at his way of life. However, this joy was short-lived, as they soon silenced him through death, attempting to extinguish the ever-burning light. Consequently, the Savior remarked about him: He was a lamp burning and shining, but you were willing to rejoice in his light for a brief time.

What could be more uplifting for humanity's humble condition than to be brought into union with God, transforming through that union to partake in divine nature? This divine visitation from above reveals that the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:35), and He is bestowed with a name that surpasses all others (and what could that be but God?). Consequently, every knee bows (Philippians 2:9-10) to Him who, in His humility, merged the divine image with that of a servant (Philippians 2:7), demonstrating that the entire house of Israel recognized Him as Lord and Christ, established by God (Acts 2:36). This was accomplished through both the intent of the Begotten and the gracious will of the Father.

In the generous mercy of our Lord, in the remission of transgressions bestowed by His abundant grace, which is granted as a result of His profound compassion rather than based on human deeds. This is how the Rising Dawn has shone upon us from on high. Through His compassionate grace, the radiance of the Heavenly Light has come to us, illuminating our lives. Nonetheless, He refers to the forthcoming manifestation of Christ, which is yet to unfold.

Abiding on high yet present upon the earth, suffering neither division nor limitation, which thing neither can our understanding embrace, nor any power of words express.

In the midst of the darkness that envelops our world, do you wish to know, dear brethren, how God sought out His people and what He has transformed them into? The conclusion of this song, which we have been exploring for a while and highlight for your contemplation, proclaims: The dawn has visited us from on high, to illuminate those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide the feet of the shepherds along the path of peace (Luke 1:78-79). Thus, He discovers us in this state of darkness and the shadow of death, burdened by the persistent blindness caused by sin and ignorance, misled by the deceit of the ancient foe, and surrounded by error. The adversary is aptly referred to as ‘death and deception,’ while the Lord is justly called the truth and the life (Jn 14:6).

The Messiah is portrayed as one who offers blessings to humanity. "The East from above": the Israelites referred to the Messiah by various names, with some prophets depicting Him as the Source of light, portraying the period prior to His arrival as a time of darkness. Those who dwelt in this darkness were destined to receive illumination from the Messiah, with John serving as the one to ready them for this revelation. John is referred to as "the lampstand" (John 5:35). As we explore the Gospel accounts detailing the events of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, we consider the Nativity of John the Baptist and his early years.

Through the gracious compassion of our Lord, we find the absolution of our transgressions, which comes not from human efforts but from divine benevolence. It is by this divine grace that the Dawn from on high has shone upon us, specifically, the radiant Light from the heights of the divine, revealing Himself to those who inhabit the earth. In elucidating this truth, it is stated.... (see v. 79)

Zechariah later crafted a notable song upon the birth of John, in which he praises God for revealing the kingdom of the Messiah (Luke 1:68-75). He prophetically outlines the mission of his son as revealed by the angel and illuminated by divine inspiration (76-79). This holds significant historical importance, offering insight into the perspective of the most devoted priests of that era regarding the Messiah and His reign. According to the literal interpretation of this song, the Messiah is the individual through whom God, fulfilling His ancient promises, seeks to liberate His people from their oppressors.

Through the grace of God, we have been graced by the Arrival from on High. The symbolic title of the Messiah, "Arrival from Above," is derived from the dawn, as the subsequent discussion regarding the enlightening mission of the Messiah illustrates (Malachi 4:2). The aim of this divine visitation is to shed light on those dwelling in darkness and the shadow of death, referring to the darkness of error and sin, thereby guiding our steps onto the path of peace (Isaiah 9:2). This path leads to tranquility, offering relief from all the afflictions of earthly existence and fulfilling every longing of the spirit.

From the east, as opposed to the conventional sunrise from below the earth, the Sun emerges from the heavens, illustrating the descent of the Sun to the earth. This clearly refers to the Messiah. Zechariah utilizes terminology drawn from earlier prophets (Jer. 23:5; Zech. 3:8; Zech. 6:12) where the term branch (Heb. Tsemach), akin to the rod in Isaiah (Is. 11:1), is translated in the Septuagint as ‘ανατολή, which signifies a plant or branch, similar to the usage in Ezekiel (Ezek. 16:7); this term is frequently associated with the East. The designation Vostok, connoting light, is attributed to the Messiah, who is frequently referred to as light by both the prophets (Is. 60:1) and the Evangelists (Jn. 1:9; Jn. 12:46; Lk. 2:32).

In accordance with the goodness of His heart, the prophetic vision of Zechariah, son of Zechariah, once again focuses on the primary subject of reflection—the Messiah, whom he denotes with a new symbolic title. The phrase "East from above" is inspired by the dawn of day, reminiscent of the rising sun, which brings the first light to the sacred earth. Zechariah perceives this radiant sun—the anticipated and soon-to-be-born Jesus the Messiah—who through His divine teachings and redemptive sacrifice will bring illumination to humanity, just as the sun brightens the world.

In alignment with the goodness of our merciful God, who shines like the rising sun, if we were to consider the word "east" as the main focus, it would be accompanied by its corresponding element, illuminating us from above.