At this time of year, we often turn to the prophesies of Isaiah as we marvel at the way God has interacted with creation over the generations. Isaiah foretold the coming of a messiah. His words brought hope to a struggling people. Those words were held as a constant reminder that God would redeem. Isaiah was so sure of what God had given him to say that he often spoke in terms that it had already happened, even though it would be hundreds of years before it came about.
Isaiah 9 is one of those passages we turn to at Christmas. In fact, I have been preaching this Advent season on the four descriptions Isaiah gave of the coming messiah in verse 6 – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.
This morning as I read back through the passage, another verse stood out to me. Verse 2 says, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
Isaiah foretold of God sending a messiah – a savior and that his coming would be like a light shining in the darkness. The world was in the dark – unaware and oblivious to God and God’s love. When Jesus came, he brought light. The light he brought revealed the path to the Father. The illumination exposed but also offered direction.
We live in a dark world as well but Jesus still offers that same light. His light exposes our faults but it also gives us direction in living a life that honors the Father and at the same time brings fulfillment to us.
Jesus has come. We have been walking in darkness but we have seen a great light. We are living in a land of deep darkness but THE LIGHT has dawned! Thanks be to God that the light has come.
May your day and this Christmas season be filled with his light!
His Light does expose our faults.