The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone. (Is 9:1)
Certain words evoke sets of feelings among most people. When we hear the word “love”, we generally feel good, comfortable, and wanted or valued. When we hear the word “peace”, we generally feel safe.
When we hear the words “dark” and “light”, they evoke strong feelings as well.
“Dark” often brings to mind feelings of fright or terror, of being lost, or of having no hope. “Light”, on the other hand, makes us feel warm, confident, and on the path.
God’s people had walked in darkness for several generations. They had drifted from following God, sinning against Him often. Because of this, they were lost in the wilderness, looking for a place to call their own. They ended up becoming the slaves of many nations throughout their long history.
At a time when they were oppressed by the Romans, shepherds heard tidings of great joy by an angel: “Behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
After hearing that proclamation, a multitude of angels appeared in the sky giving praise to God.
Christ, the Light, had come into the world. His light sliced through the darkness of His people and would give them hope.
Christ’s light still shines into our hearts to this day. He gives us hope and brings us peace. He makes us safe in a world filled with terror and sin. He guides us so that we might be able to find the way home.
Do not succumb to darkness. Live in the light of Christ’s love. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
FAITH ACTION: Pray for all those who do not know the Lord or who may have rejected the Lord, that may come to find Him and allow Him into their lives.