9:2 “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, to those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has been shined . . .
9:6 For a child has been born to us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Today is two days after Christmas, the packages have been opened, the mess cleared away, and the left-overs eaten. Now our attention is being drawn forward to the new year. How easily we consider Christmas “over” and move on to new things that occupy or minds. However, when we look outside, the Christmas lights are still glowing. So, lets continue to live in the glow of the Light that came to earth at Christmas.
In the passage above Isaiah described a people walking in deep darkness who saw a great light. He announces that a child has been born to the Jews who would bring light to that darkness. Some believe that Isaiah was speaking of the birth of Hezekiah, one of the great, Godly kings of Judah. But, the same passage is a foretelling of the birth of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ. It was Jesus who brought light to the darkness of the world of his time and ours.
Christ’s coming brought God’s light of love, peace, hope, grace and mercy to all who live in darkness and who give their lives to Christ. As incomprehensible as this seems, it is really very simple. John 3:16 tells us “God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.” God’s gift of love and grace is offered freely to everyone.
Lets not let the “Light” go out with the taking down of our Christmas decorations. God has entrusted to us His Light so that as we live and work in the world our little piece will be a beacon to others.
Prayer: O God, sometimes darkness seems to overwhelm us. Send the Holy Spirit to help us turn to you so that we can experience the light of your love and grace and take them into all the world. Amen.
Maudie Karickhoff
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