As the lights went out, and the house plunged into darkness, I was unprepared for the fear that gripped me. I was used to the city where “darkness” wasn’t really dark, but now, out in the country, in an unfamiliar house, this was a darkness deeper than I’d ever experienced. I began desperately searching for even a tiny glimmer of light.
As our study of Advent continues, we travel backwards to learn how the ministry of the prophet Isaiah foreshadowed Christ’s eventual arrival. In today’s reading from Isaiah, the Israelites also found themselves stumbling along in deep darkness, though theirs wasn’t a physical darkness, but a spiritual one.
Isaiah 9 is a common reading in Christmas services, and its promise of a great light is well-known, but to really understand the impact and significance of that Great Light, we must first consider the darkness in which the Israelites found themselves…
I’d love if you’d join me at Gracefully Truthful to read the rest of this post, which is part of their Advent series, and to consider the hope that we have in the fact that Jesus came to bring light to the darkness.
Click here to read the full post.
Linking with: Inspire Me Monday, Tell His Story, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee, Recharge Wednesday, #HeartEncouragement Community Link-Up, Grace & Truth
So true that our darkness helps us to wholeheartedly welcome the True Light!
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Definitely!
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He really is the great light!
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Amen!
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Fantastic message Lesley
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Thanks, Paula!
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This year especially, I have been so struck with the contrast of darkness and light. Our coming Lord is indeed our hope of light, redemption, restoration, and healing. “The Light has come, and the Light is coming.” Amen!
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We so need his light!
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Love your emphasis on Christ as “the Great Light” those sitting in darkness and the shadow of death can see. Praise God He comes to us in our darkness and doesn’t expect us to find our way out!
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Thanks, Donna! Yes, it’s so encouraging that he comes to find us and it doesn’t depend on us!
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There are definitely different degrees of darkness and different levels of light. Country darkness is pitch black while city darkness has hues of light all about from streetlights, businesses, and cars.
Lesley, I’m thankful that “Even the darkness is not dark to You [God], and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.” (Psalm 139:12 NASB)
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Thanks, Lisa! It is comforting to know that God can see just as clearly however deep the darkness seems to us.
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Merry Christmas, friend! I feel like we’re distant cousins, continuing to keep in touch over the pond. I often think of my dad when I visit with you … he would have loved that you and I have been able to connect over the miles in this creative, encouraging way.
Have a wonderful holiday … may His beautiful light continue to define who you are.
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I’m so glad we’ve connected, Linda, and that it reminds you of your dad. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season too!
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Very encouraging.
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Thanks, I’m glad it encouraged you!
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