The Light of Christmas
A verse we often hear quoted around Christmas time is a prophecy from Isaiah pointing to the birth of a Child who would forever change the course of the world. That prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus left the throne-room of heaven to be born in the little town of Bethlehem. Isaiah’s words go like this:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6, NIV).
These more familiar words are in a passage that starts off with some less familiar words:
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned (Isaiah 9:2 NIV).
So, the Child who was born was the “great light” that came to “the people walking in darkness.” The interesting thing about people walking in darkness is wondering why someone would stay in the darkness if light is available.
Some people stay in darkness because they do not realize they are in darkness. Until light shows up, darkness people only know darkness and do not understand light exists.
Some people realize they are in darkness but do not know how to escape the darkness. They want to get out but see no way out. They can’t see the light but wonder if it is out there somewhere.
Some people know they are in darkness and see the light but refuse to step into the light. The darkness with me in control seems better than the light with someone else in charge.
Some people realize they are in darkness and step through faith into the light to experience all that can be experienced in the light. Light is refreshing. Light is renewing. Light is life-changing. Light is peace bringing. Light is joy giving. Light.
Isaiah points out that the light of Christ is a “great light” and is “a light that has dawned.” Jesus is a bright light that can chase the darkness away from every corner of our lives, every recess of our heart. He is a great light. And, He is a new light.
Into the darkness of a really messed up world, this new light dawns.
At Christmas we celebrate the dawning of this new and great light. This Child that is born and this Son that is given is the light that drives back the darkness in our lives.
Later, Jesus says this about Himself:
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12, NIV).
When you see the Christmas lights burning bright, may these lights remind you of the Light of the World who came to change the world and change your life. He leads us out of darkness into His glorious light. Will you follow Him into the light?