Chapter 2, The Day with Others Summary and Analysis

The day's beginning devotions in the community are planned to reflect the life of Jesus Christ. Bonhoeffer uses the times of day and night as images to illustrate Christ's effect on the world. Christ is born in the dark of night to bring light into the world. He is crucified, suffers and dies on the cross in full light of midday. The light of day turns to darkness at his death and burial in a grave. He conquers death by rising from the dark grave in the light of dawn on Easter. Therefore, the community's daily devotions begin at dawn.

Christ's resurrection from the grave is commemorated as the day when mankind was given new life and salvation. Christ defeats death and sin by rising from the dead for His church that includes...