'Because of the tender mercy of our God, the Dawn from on high
will visit us, to shine on those who sit in the darkenss and the
shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace' (Luke
1,78-79). In his famous Spirit-inspired hymn Zachary praises
God, first, for sending a savior to His People. At first blush,
this is a military figure who will defeat Israel's enemies, with
purpose and result that Israel might worship God in holiness and
justice all the days of her life. Then Zachary changes imagery;
the figure of might give place to a figure of light. Light in no
longer a person of power; rather, he is a person of warmth and
illumination - characteristics of the Dawn. Light, unlike
military power, is silent, but o so powerful. Whoever is this
light is not described as saving from enemies; rather, he is
described as showing Israel the way to peace. For Israel, there
can be only one meaning of peace: it is peace with God. The Dawn
will lead Israel to union with God, and there will no more
separation from