LIGHT AND HOPE

Read Isaiah 9:1-4

Key verse: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.  Isa. 9:2

High atop a mountain in Haiti, I experienced total darkness for the first time in my life. I must admit I felt a tremor of fear –what might be lurking among the  grapefruit trees as we approached the Guest House? Suddenly, the bright light of a gasoline lantern, which Pere Albert held aloft, illuminated the area , and we walked confidently the rest of the way.

Darkness symbolizes fear, uncertainty, hopelessness… Taken into captivity to a strange land, the people of Israel walked in darkness. Isaiah’s words of prophecy that God’s Light would shine, gave hope in their darkness. His prophecy was partially fulfilled by the Incarnation. God sent his Son, Jesus Christ to live among the people. Jesus, the Light of the World, would reveal the Father through his ministry of love and service. His victory over death removed the fear of deat and gave hope to those who chosed to follow Christ.

The complete fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy will come with Christ’s Second Coming to judge the nations and establish for eternity the Kingdom of God.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your promise to be our Light and guide through this life. Give us hope as we seek to follow your Light.  Amen