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The Darkness has Lifted

Isaiah 9:2

There’s a business near us in Washington that decorates for Christmas in an absolutely breathtaking way. The sheer number of lights and the vibrant variety of colors immediately grab your attention. When you drive by at night, you can’t help but marvel at their beauty.  

What makes these lights so stunning is the contrast—they shine so brightly against the darkness. During the day, those same lights are on the trees and buildings, but they don’t have nearly the same impact. The darkness allows their brilliance to stand out. 

This contrast reminds me of the prophet Isaiah’s words about the coming of Christ. Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, Isaiah spoke of a long-awaited change, a moment when light would break into the darkness of this world. He writes,  

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” (Isaiah 9:2).  

Isaiah paints a picture of constant, overwhelming darkness, as if the world was void of light. Then, he describes the arrival of Jesus—the Light of the world, God in the flesh, dwelling among us. Just as Christmas lights pierce the night, so Jesus came to pierce the darkness of sin and despair. His coming wasn’t ordinary or subtle; it was powerful, wonderful, and life-changing.  

Israel was living in darkness, not only because of the sin in the land, such as idolatry, but also because they were awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promises. Everything written about Jesus in the Old Testament was a foreshadowing of His coming, yet the people struggled to hold on to hope. Despite repeated warnings from the prophets, the nation failed to heed God’s call to repentance. Judgment came upon them because of their sin, leaving them in despair and longing for deliverance.  

Amid this darkness, Isaiah’s prophecy shines as a beacon of hope. He foretells the birth of a child who would bring light and life, declaring Him to be the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This was no ordinary child but the promised Messiah—Jesus, who would fulfill every word spoken about Him and bring salvation to a world lost in sin.  

But why do we need this Light? From the moment Adam sinned, humanity has been cursed, living under the weight of darkness—a spiritual separation from God. Without Christ, that darkness consumes us. Yet in His great mercy, Jesus came to bring light to our souls, to free us from the curse of sin and death.  

As we go about the busyness of this season, let’s not let the familiarity of the story dull its wonder. Take time to reflect on the magnitude of what Jesus has done. He didn’t just come to be a light; He came to be our light, offering hope, redemption, and life. He came to save sinners like you and me. It is by him alone. 

This truth is not only for today but also for our eternal future—secured by Jesus through His life, death, and resurrection. In moments when our days feel overshadowed by darkness, we can cling to the hope He brings. Jesus has shattered the power of sin and death, breaking through the darkness to declare, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). His light is our constant guide, offering hope, peace, and assurance no matter how dark life may seem.  

So, this Christmas, as you see lights shining in the darkness, let them remind you of Jesus—the Light that has come into the world. Take a moment to give thanks for this wonderful truth and let the light of Christ shine in your heart.  

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Obedience Met With Disappointment

It was a profoundly heavy and disheartening day, one of those days when everything seemed to go wrong. Right from the moment of waking up, there was an underlying feeling that it would be an uphill battle, filled with challenging conversations and adversities at every turn. It’s as if this difficult phase had become a recurring theme, leaving you drained and yearning for an end to this relentless new normal. The future appeared bleak, devoid of joy and excitement, making you wonder when it would all come to an end. The weight of it all led to questions and introspection: was it your own actions that led to this, or perhaps a lesson you were meant to learn?

Seeking solace and strength, you turned to passages from the Bible that spoke of God’s unwavering presence and support:

“He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion” (Philippians 1:6).

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

God’s Promises But Still The Struggle

Despite reminding yourself of God’s promises, it felt as though He remained silent in that very moment, leaving you grappling with disappointment. In this state of deep sadness, you found resonance with Psalm 44, attributed to the Sons of Korah, a group of Levites responsible for music in worship (2 Chronicles 20:19). This Psalm describes God’s past victories and deliverance for Israel against their enemies, and their obedience in response.

However, as the Psalm progresses, the tone shifts, revealing the stark reality of defeat and feeling forsaken: “But you have rejected us and disgraced us and have not gone out with our armies” (verse 9). It seems that despite their faithfulness, disappointment befalls them. The Psalmist goes on to express their loyalty to God and wonders why they face abandonment and defeat despite their commitment:

“If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god, would not God discover this? For he knows the secrets of the heart. Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered (Psalm 44:20-22).”

I Know My Redeemer Lives

This heartfelt lament strikes a chord with you, as you can relate to this profound sense of disappointment despite your obedience. In the midst of this turmoil, the Psalm concludes with a cry for God’s intervention and redemption:

“Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love (Psalm 44:26)!”

In times of distress and confusion, this final plea for God’s redeeming love serves as a reminder that even amidst adversity, hope can be found in His unwavering and steadfast presence.

Job in the Bible went through a season of hurt and pain. He lost his children, his wealth, and his health. He was broken and a point of despair. In a conversation with one his friends he gives some great insight that is just as important today.

For I know that my Redeemer lives,
    and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
26 And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
    yet in my flesh I shall see God,
27 whom I shall see for myself,
    and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
    My heart faints within me (Job 19:25-27)!

Can you relate?