The People Who Walked in Darkness Have Seen a Great Light

​During the dark days of winter, when the sky is overcast and ominous storm clouds form, when everything is cold and colourless, when we can’t see what’s happening under the surface of the water or in the deep woods, when it’s easy to feel all alone, left in the dark and thoroughly depressed, that’s when God in His grace, often busts open the clouds and lets the light shine through. All of a sudden the warm glow of God’s love reflects off the icy surface of our circumstances, and brightens our day with a glimpse of hope. God is revealing Himself to us and gives us a real certainty of comfort and hope.

Isaiah relied on that hope so much, that although he speaks of a future event, he uses the prophetic past to express his certainty in what is to happen.

The New King James Version translates the familiar passage of Isaiah 9:2 this way: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.”

That light is then defined by Isaiah in some of the following verses as a person, whom he describes as a Child born to us, a Son given to us, on whose shoulders all rule and authority will rest; and His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. And of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.

Just soaking in these terms, meditating on them, and recognizing the reality of this promise brings us peace, gives us direction, and produces warmth, awe and wonder. This is not just a news brief about some intimidating superstar that knows everything, can do everything and is everywhere present, but it’s about a child that we have access to, that has been born to us, has been given to us and brings real peace, shalom, wholeness and spiritual health to us.

No one but Jesus fits that bill! He is that great light that shines into our darkness, whatever that darkness might be: financial worries, health issues, family crises, ministry blunders, icy relationships, loneliness, fears about the future, etc. Think for a minute about the darkness that tends to envelop you, but then look at that bright, warm, colourful, exquisite, comforting light that we have in Jesus. He knows what’s best for us. He has the power to do something about our situation. He forever cares for us like a loving father. And He gives us that peace that surpasses all understanding.
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There is a break in the clouds.
God is reaching down to us.
The light shines brightly.
Soak Him in!