Great Light

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

Isaiah 9:2

Recently as I read through Isaiah 9, the following verse struck me deeply: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” In years past, I’ve found this verse to be profound, but it has never felt as relatable to me as it did this year (and I would guess that many of you feel the same).

We’ve been brought to our knees this year. Though the darkness of the world has always existed, we feel the depths of the hurt, brokenness, and sin in new and heartbreaking ways. We see it in the world, and we also see it in ourselves. The darkness is real, but as we observe this season of advent, let us remind ourselves that the light is real too. 

As believers, we know that the “great light” of Jesus has changed everything for us:

• Great light has the power to blind—an encounter with Jesus can and will stop us in our tracks.
• Great light has the power to expose—through Jesus, we are fully seen and fully known.
• Great light transforms—life through Jesus can foster growth beyond what we could ever imagine.
• Great light brings hope—our future is secure through Jesus and that should bring us great joy.

This story of great light coming to the world changes everything for us as believers and gives us hope amidst the darkness of this age. But let us not forget that this season of advent should also be in anticipation of Jesus’ return. As Hebrews 9:28 says, “So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” And so, we wait, and we faithfully work, doing what God has called us to for this season and knowing that Jesus will come again one day to make all things new.

This Christmas may the great light of Jesus’ birth and the hope of His impending return outshine the darkness in our world and bring you to a posture of praise.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!