“The Light Has Come” 

Isaiah 9:2-7

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By Hilary Denny 

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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.

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One of my favorite parts about the Christmas season is the lights—Christmas tree lights, lights on houses, candles burning everywhere. Even those snowflake lights on Poplar bring a smile to my face! The lights at Christmas are such a welcome contrast to the darkness that pervades during this time of year. The sun rises later. The clouds come more often. The sun sets sooner.  When my Christmas tree lights up my living room this time of year, I have a visceral reaction to the light. It brings me joy, it lightens my mood, and it brings peace. 

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In Isaiah 9 the prophet describes the reign of the coming King as bringing light. God’s people were in “deep darkness.” Israel was forsaking God’s law and promises, and Assyria had invaded and taken the Promised Land. Oppression and darkness were real.  

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Just like for Israel, darkness for us is real. We feel the darkness in our sin that weighs us down. We feel the darkness in the broken systems that we live in. We feel the darkness in sickness, death, and broken relationships. 

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But “a light has dawned!” In the coming of a baby, a King, God with us, a light breaks through the darkness. Because Jesus came as “God with us,” I can feel peace even in the midst of sickness and death. I can rejoice even as I work within broken systems. The light is real and has broken forth in the person of Jesus, the King, who came to dwell among His people and is still with us. 

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As we celebrate the coming of Jesus this Christmas season, it’s natural to still feel the darkness.  But don’t stay there because the light has dawned! Focus on the light by meditating on God’s promises. Feel the light as you worship God in song.

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The light has come. Jesus is God with us: then, now, and forever.

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REFLECT:

• Where are you experiencing darkness in your life right now? 
• What does “God with us” mean to you in these circumstances?
• What practices do you need to put into place to continue to see the light (e.g. prayer, Scripture memory, praise)?

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