Friday, December 13, 2019
Isaiah 9:2-7
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
Have you ever experienced darkness in the physical sense? The writer talks about the differences of living in the city verses living in the country and/or rural areas and just how different they are. I grew up in a rural area and as a kid I remember being very afraid of the dark. I was always seeing things that were not really there or hearing something, that was really nothing. Darkness is still not something I enjoy, but I have learned to adapt. If you allow your eyes to adjust, even the smallest light source can help you navigate the dark. Being aware of places and sort of memorizing the placement of things can also help. I remember when I was a kid maybe 6 or so, my parents gone out had for the evening and a babysitter was watching my brother and I for the evening. When bedtime came I ask to sleep in my parents bed, at least until they came home. I remember waking during the night, the room was completely dark, no slivers of light at all. I tried reaching for the bedroom door knob and NOT finding it, all I could feel was the walls…I panicked and probably cried for mom(!), I woke thinking I was still in my parents bed but I had been moved to my own room at some point and I was now totally disoriented. Have you ever experienced anything like that?
The same effects can happen when we are all of a sudden exposed to a really bright light, it can be blinded. Our eyes need a moment to adjust to these extreme changes. To make matters worse, some people have extra sensitive eyes. I just happen to be one of those individuals, bright sunlight and the reflection of white snow can be debilitating at times. I wear glasses and I need to wear sunglasses in some situations. My eyes will water and become irritated when they are not protected.
In the Bible, the Prophet Isaiah writes about a great light and it shining on the people. Isaiah talks about people who were living in darkness and they walked in darkness. He proclaims that they have seen a great light! Isaiah 9 is the prophesy of “The Righteous Reign of the Coming King” that King was the foretelling of the birth of Jesus and His eternal reign as the King of Kings!
This Advent season is an opportunity for us to see the light, the everlasting light of Jesus Christ! It is also an opportunity for us to share the light of Jesus with those who have never seen the light. Be the light you hope for in this world to someone else who is still in the darkness.
Prayer:
Lord, your promised light is coming. Through the manager, the world will become disoriented to the Way that is to come. As I adjust to the divine light at Christmas, make your grace known so that I may continue to seek the light and not retreat to the familiar darkness. ~Amen
~Hope & Peace~
References:
HOPE SEEKER 
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