An old Jewish story goes something like this:
A wise rabbi once asked his students, “How do you know when the night is over and the day has dawned?
One answered, “When you can look at an animal in the distance and tell whether it is a sheep or a dog?”
“No,” said the rabbi.
Another said, “Is it when you can look at a tree and tell whether it is a fig or an olive tree?”
“No,” said the rabbi.
“Please, rabbi, tell us. How do you know when the night is over and the day has dawned?”
The rabbi answered, “You know that the day has dawned when you can look at any man or woman and discern there the face of your brother or sister. Until then, you are still in the night.”
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come,
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory.Isaiah 60:1-2