Summer has long since passed, and we are now deep into autumn, marked by the time change that usher in earlier evenings. The shorter, colder days compel us to retreat indoors, reminding us of what it feels like to live in the dark. Without Christ in our lives, I wonder how we navigate the dark? This physical darkness can serve as a metaphor for the inner darkness that resides within each of us—the shadows of sin.
We are all too familiar with how this darkness manifests in our lives. It shows up in unresolved conflicts and unforgiven hurts, in the best of intentions that still lead to pain, and in judgmental attitudes that create division. Isaiah speaks to this very darkness in Isaiah 9:2, where he writes, “The people walking in darkness…”
As we recognize darkness as a representation of the sinful nature within us, we also see the truth of the Gospel in the person of Jesus, the Light of the world. Take a moment to reflect on John 1:4-5, which tells us, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus, the Light, has come to overcome the darkness, bringing hope and redemption to all.
For the Israelites, light held deep significance, symbolizing God as their guiding light and protector, leading them out of Egypt and away from a life of slavery and oppression (Exodus 13:21). In the same way, today we are called to look to Christ as our Light, the one who overcomes the darkness within us. As Jesus himself proclaims in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
Isaiah captures this promise beautifully in the second part of Isaiah 9:2: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned” (Matthew 4:16). This light, found in Christ, is the hope that breaks through our darkness and leads us into His marvelous light.
When we allow His light to enter, it awakens us from the darkness of sin. In the midst of our present struggles and darkness, Jesus is our unwavering hope. Let us hold fast to Him, for He is our Light, our Redeemer, and our ultimate hope for eternal salvation. Through Him, we are rescued from the darkness and brought into the light of His grace and truth.
As we begin this Advent season, perhaps take a moment to ponder the wonder of the Light that has overcome darkness.
I hope this song blesses you:
In Christ's love,
Tracey
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