“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned…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. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7
By the time the Messiah came to Israel, there’s no doubt things had gotten pretty dark. The people were oppressed. Many were poor. Their hope had almost faded away. Then, in the middle of a dark night, a new light dawned. In fact, just like the first subtle rays of sunrise steal upon the scene, this light wasn’t obvious to most, and only a few even saw it at all. But that would change.
It first changed with an eruption in the night sky, angels telling the shepherds of His birth. The light broke through as the star led the wise men to the very place Jesus was. It appeared to an old man named Simeon who was waiting for the birth of Christ. When he saw the child, he took Him in his arms and said:
“My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all the people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:30-32)
You see, without Christ, we all walk in darkness. With Him, though we face uncertain times, we have a Wonderful Counselor to guide us on our way. When we face struggles that can overpower us, we have Mighty God, who fights for us. When we face death, we have an Everlasting Father who knows no end. And when we face fear, we have a Prince of Peace.
Jesus 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)
If we know Christ, we have the light of His life within us. He has told us “Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Is the world around you dark? Let His light shine.
Worship: Read 1 John 1:5-2:6. Pray, asking the Spirit to reveal any areas of darkness in your heart or life. Confess those sins to Him, asking Him to help you be obedient to His word. Sing or listen to “O Holy Night” and worship the Light of the World!
Family Focus: Sing “This Little Light of Mine.” Discuss as a family how even just a little light can make a huge difference in a dark room. Create tin can candleholders by punching (or drilling) holes into tin cans of various sizes. You can do this in various patterns. Put candles in the holders and turn down the lights. Reflect on the beauty of light shining in the darkness and commit to let your light shine.
Be sure to follow along daily for more devotions. You can find them here or you can download the ebook A Christmas Call to Worship: Daily Devotions for the Month of December
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