Scripture Reading(s)
Isaiah 9:1-4
9:1 But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined.
9:3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.
9:4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
Reflections
The coming of the messiah means so many things to those who follow in His footsteps. Isaiah describes this messiah as a great lights. Indeed, those who were once in darkness have seen a great light. Jesus said of Himself,
“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:4:)
One might be disappointed by the clause at the beginning of this verse, “while I am in the world” but as Christians we know that the Spirit of God that rested on Jesus also resides in us. We have the same Spirit and because of that we bear the light of Jesus in the world. Thus, even though He is returned at the right hand of the Father, we are His light and we must finish the work of shining the light into the darkness all over the world.
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. (Romans 8:11)
This is why we are instructed not to hide our lights.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)