“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” (Isaiah 9:2).
Lights are an important part of
holidays, particularly during the Christmas season. We
put lights on Christmas trees and candles in the windows. We enjoy looking at outdoor light
displays. We light advent candles at
church and sing Silent Night by candlelight on Christmas Eve. We may even welcome
New Year’s in with fireworks.
God is associated with light throughout Scripture. His light began the creation of the world. The light of a star led the wise men to Jesus. The light of angels announced His birth as well as His resurrection. Jesus called Himself the Light of the world, and this Light has been given to us.
Living with the uncertainty of health struggles or other problems, this coming new year may appear more dark than
light. “Living in the land of the shadow
of death” may seem an accurate description for the fear of our unknown future
or the grimness of our ongoing battles.
Yet we have seen a great light.
We just celebrated the coming of that light to earth, and the repercussions
of that light give us the hope and perseverance to enter another year.
Isaiah wrote these words during bleak times for Israel. They had endured much suffering and captivity. In the preceding chapter of Isaiah, he says that people saw only distress and darkness and fearful gloom. That may be an accurate description of how we see our personal lives as well as the world in general. But God’s answer to that is the light of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection.
That light will give us the
direction we need to face whatever the new year holds. There is no darkness of pain or the unknown
that God’s light will not reach to offer us hope and guidance. So light a candle this New Year’s Day and
rejoice in knowing that the coming year is already illuminated with the loving
light of God’s comforting and eternal presence.
Prayer: Lord, give me hope as I begin this new year,
praising You for the assurance that Your light will guide me through whatever
my come. Amen.
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