The Light of Christmas has Dawned
Isaiah prophesied about the coming of the Messiah over 700 years before Christ’s birth. The most well known scripture is the foretelling of the Messiah is found in Isaiah 9:6-7:
9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end
However, it is in verse 9:2 where Isaiah introduces the idea of a new King:
9:2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Isaiah is using the sun as an illustration for the coming of Christ. Teachers and writers often use familiar objects like the sun to help us understand unfamiliar concepts. Here are a few important points to consider from the passage:
People were “walking in darkness.” Darkness refers both to evil in the world and the ignorance of those who lived in it. It’s really not much different than today. We have an abundance of evil in the world but there is also a lot of ignorance as to what can save people from the darkness.
“A light has dawned.” The light did not originate from the earth. It came from the outside - just like the sun comes from outside to illuminate the earth. The critical connection to make here is that the Light that we all need is not sourced from the earth. People look to all sorts of things for answers and to “save them” - intellect, technology, finances etc… But, none of those things provide the lasting peace and illumination that they are looking for. Each may offer some temporary measure of hope but their flame will eventually fizzle out.
Jesus is the Light. The message of Christianity is that things really are dark on this earth and we can’t save ourselves. However, there is hope - “A Light has dawned.” Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Darkness cannot overcome light - Light wins!
Jesus is the Light for us when all of the other earthly lights go out. We get to stand on His record and not our own broken one. God sent the “dawn” - His son Jesus - to the earth to move closer to us. What can we do this Christmas season to move closer to Him?
Stay Hungry,
Big E
Matt. 5:6