“The people who
sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region
and shadow of death Light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16 NKJ [re: Isaiah 9:2])
sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region
and shadow of death Light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16 NKJ [re: Isaiah 9:2])
Some folks like the
darkness, but I’m not one of them. Darkness is anathema in my book! I’m not
afraid of the dark. I do not worry about things that go bump in the night. I
simply do not enjoy places or rooms or circumstances where there is no light.
darkness, but I’m not one of them. Darkness is anathema in my book! I’m not
afraid of the dark. I do not worry about things that go bump in the night. I
simply do not enjoy places or rooms or circumstances where there is no light.
In fact, I think our
American Declaration of Independence should include “the pursuit of
light.” Let’s face facts, there are billions of people around the world
sitting in darkness who need the great light of Christmas. They are living in
the shadow of death and need the Light of Christmas to dawn upon them.
American Declaration of Independence should include “the pursuit of
light.” Let’s face facts, there are billions of people around the world
sitting in darkness who need the great light of Christmas. They are living in
the shadow of death and need the Light of Christmas to dawn upon them.
For some it’s the
darkness of ignorance; knowing nothing of the Christmas story. For others, it’s
the darkness of unbelief; refusing to accept the Truth and receive the
Christmas child. For still others, it is the darkness of deception; believing
schemes and philosophies that reject or distort the Christ of Christmas.
darkness of ignorance; knowing nothing of the Christmas story. For others, it’s
the darkness of unbelief; refusing to accept the Truth and receive the
Christmas child. For still others, it is the darkness of deception; believing
schemes and philosophies that reject or distort the Christ of Christmas.
The Prophet Isaiah
was telling his readers that Messiah, God’s Light, would shine in the darkest
regions of Naphtali and Zebulon, and the Gentiles would also see his light. One
day, God’s Light would shine “tidings of great joy” to the whole world.
And Matthew tells us that Jesus Christ fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.
was telling his readers that Messiah, God’s Light, would shine in the darkest
regions of Naphtali and Zebulon, and the Gentiles would also see his light. One
day, God’s Light would shine “tidings of great joy” to the whole world.
And Matthew tells us that Jesus Christ fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.
All too often we
consider the God of the Old Testament as harsh and judgmental, ready to blast
us out of existence when we fail. And we rarely see God as the Light who shines
in the darkness of our lives offering hope and joy. But our God, seen in both Old
and New Testaments, is the Light who illuminates the darkness around us and
rejoices when we walk in his light.
consider the God of the Old Testament as harsh and judgmental, ready to blast
us out of existence when we fail. And we rarely see God as the Light who shines
in the darkness of our lives offering hope and joy. But our God, seen in both Old
and New Testaments, is the Light who illuminates the darkness around us and
rejoices when we walk in his light.
Knowing the Child
who lay in the manger that first Christmas day, and knowing that he is the
Light of the world, is more valuable than precious jewels. Sure we are free to
continue in the darkness of ignorance, unbelief and deception, but the Light
has dawned in the shadow of death. It illuminates the path to life.
who lay in the manger that first Christmas day, and knowing that he is the
Light of the world, is more valuable than precious jewels. Sure we are free to
continue in the darkness of ignorance, unbelief and deception, but the Light
has dawned in the shadow of death. It illuminates the path to life.
Light — he who is
the Light — shines for all the world to see. But if we focus on our darkness,
we will miss his light. And his star doesn’t merely shine on Christmas Day, but
shines throughout our lives, guiding us to everlasting joy.
the Light — shines for all the world to see. But if we focus on our darkness,
we will miss his light. And his star doesn’t merely shine on Christmas Day, but
shines throughout our lives, guiding us to everlasting joy.
Dear Father, thank
you for the Light of Christmas. Illuminate our minds and lives that we may
truly see how we should live. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for the Light of Christmas. Illuminate our minds and lives that we may
truly see how we should live. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Let the Light of
Christmas shine in your life today,
Christmas shine in your life today,