A Great Light
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 9:1-7
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
God provides an immediate follow-up to the passage we reflected on yesterday, about choosing to live in “utter darkness.” Because of God’s mercy, the gloom and hopelessness of consulting the dead will not be the final word on their lives. Instead “a light has dawned” on them.
Notice the unfolding impact of this “great light.” God’s people will rejoice in ways that need all kinds of metaphors to describe. Their oppressors will lose their power. The very instruments of war used to control them will be destroyed. All of these signs point to freedom and new life that the people could not achieve on their own. The joyful hope of God’s deliverance flows through this prophetic word.
Further, God promises to do all of this through the birth of a child, whose rule will bring never-ending peace. Where death once tainted everything they saw, the people who are trapped in darkness will see God’s flourishing kingdom coming into view. To make this certain, God declares, “The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
During Advent we remember how God started this rule of peace through the birth of Jesus Christ. And we look forward to the day when God will bring us into the fullness of this vision.
God, thank you for bringing your kingdom of peace through Jesus Christ. In your continued mercy, please shine your great light on all who live in darkness, apart from you. Amen.
About the author — Chris Schoon
Chris Schoon lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has served as a pastor in both the U.S. and Canada. He also served as the U.S. director of Thrive, a ministry of the Christian Reformed Church in North America focused on equipping and encouraging churches and ministry leaders. Chris enjoys hiking, playing board games, and hanging out with family and friends. He is married to Hennie, and they have four adult children.
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