Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into darkness … The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. Isaiah 8:22, 9:2
If we look around, it is hard not to see trouble and darkness, the gloom of anguish.
It is difficult not to be driven into darkness.
If this was all there was, it would be a reasonable response.
But God didn’t leave us in the dark.
Zachariah prophesied of the one who would come after his own son, John.
Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79
Simeon recognized who the baby Jesus was.
“A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” Luke 2:32
John affirmed His identity.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:1-5
Jesus Himself claimed it.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12
But God has been bringing light into darkness since the very beginning. Paul explains that God has done that for each of us who believe.
For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
Every candle, every twinkling light reminds us.
