Advent Devo 12/2

They Shall See a Great Light!

This is one my favorite passages in Scripture. Not only because of the great imagery, the great promise, and the hope it inspires... but because of how many times the New Testament alludes to the imagery found in this passage. The Apostle John wastes no time exclaiming that Jesus is that light that has come in his Gospel account of Jesus' life.

John the Baptist proclaims that he is paving the way for the coming of the Lord, the coming of this Messiah who will rest the government upon His shoulders.

Paul makes it clear throughout his life actions and his writings that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything we have hoped for... that He is the light to a darkened world, and that His Kingdom is far greater than anything we could ever comprehend.

I love how Isaiah incarnates the entire Godhead in who this Light will be... Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace... Jesus isn't the Father, but He shows the heart of the Father to the world. He isn't the Counselor, but he showers the love and power of the Holy Spirit upon all who listen to His words. All of God was and is involved in this Light coming, and the redemption of the Universe drawing nigh.

This promise isn't one that has just a singular fulfillment though... this promise is one that we cling to as Christ followers. It is a promise we proclaim to the world. Sin's shadow is still upon this earth. The fog of disillusionment is blinding. It is seemingly an unstoppable contagion.

Death still holds our humanity in check.

There are still so many people who live in a land of darkness. There are so many who walk along in the pitch.

The thing about darkness is that there can never be too much darkness that a single ray of light cannot penetrate.

This promise is for us: For we still are led to valleys where the shadow of death overwhelm our weak hearts. We cling to this promise because we know our Shepherd, who will guide us, comfort us, and lead us will never be extinguished by a Shadow. Death holds our humanity in check, but Our King holds Death in checkmate.

This promise is for the world: A world that is still walking in darkness, whether it be cultural bondage, inward slavery to self-gratification, bondage to specific habitual sins, geography, persecution...

Maybe it is the millions who live in war-torn regions, poverty stricken communities, drought and famine plagued countryside.

Perhaps the millions who are threatened with violence, they who live steeped in gloom, and despair... Light has come. This promise is for them: Light is coming. Light is what is living inside of the Church. Light is what they need. This world has been walking in darkness too long... This world needs hope.



And the local Church holds the hope of the world.

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

-Matthew 5:14-16