The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.
Isaiah 9:2 NRSV
Do you ever feel disoriented in the dark? Especially in a different place. You may get up in the night and grope around, trying to find your way, only to stub a toe or worse. The same space in daylight is a whole lot less intimidating. You can move about freely without fear.
Isaiah prophesied of the day of the coming of a Messiah that would bring light into the world. The people had chased after idols and were living in dark sin. Yet, in that time of darkness, there was the promise of the coming light of Christ. In the coming daylight, the things that were an obstacle in the dimness and shadows were made clear.
This prophecy is not some long-ago fairy tale of some hero coming to save a kingdom, but a true story of God’s faithfulness to an undeserving people. It is as relevant today as two-thousand years ago. Jesus came to bring the light into our world -- this world today. Amid all of the darkness and sin of our world, there shines a great light. There is hope, love, joy, and peace found in the salvation of Jesus Christ.
God, we give you thanks for the light your Son, Jesus Christ, brought into the darkness. We freely admit we have much in common with folks in Isaiah’s day. We have allowed things to come between you and us. We choose to live in self-centeredness and chase other gods. Please forgive us. We ask for your help in turning from the darkness into the light. Please take our hearts and mold them into your will. Make us into the servants of your light. We ask this in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
