The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep

darkness a light has dawned.”

Isaiah 9:2

Have you ever been in complete darkness? Unable to see your hand in front of you or even know if it’s safe to take a step forward? When I was a child, I was absolutely terrified of the dark. My dad would leave my bedroom door open just enough so I could see the bathroom light on from my room. Without that little bit of light shining into my room, I was petrified, frozen with fear. Yet with that light on, I felt immediately secure and safe, knowing I could see all around my room. No monsters lurking. All was well.

As the years passed, I came to realize that, in fact, no monsters lurked in the

darkness. However, darkness has certainly presented itself in many ways as an adult.

It doesn’t take much searching to see it, either, does it? We can get onto any social

media platform and be engulfed in the darkness and the evil of this world. We experience broken relationships, health issues, grief, financial hardships, and the list goes on and on. 

When we look into the book of Isaiah, we can clearly see Israel was in turmoil. They weren’t just experiencing physical darkness; it was spiritual, emotional, and national. And this is when the prophecy was spoken to them. It gave Hope right when they needed it more than anything they had ever needed.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

Isaiah 9:2 (NIV)

This was the prophecy of Jesus’ birth! He was the LIGHT that would shatter all the

darkness, restore all the brokenness, and renew every heart that turned to him! God

promised to come be with His people then, and this is exactly what he would do as Jesus came to earth, born in a manger.

Friend, this may be the most amazing Christmas season you have had in some time. And if this is the case, praise God! I want to encourage you to be a light of God’s love shining into someone’s hour of darkness this season. A call, a meal, whatever it may be. Let Jesus shine His light through you. 

And I also know many are facing the hardest Christmas season they have ever faced. You are walking through unresolved broken relationships, health crises, loneliness, depression, and more. If this is you, you must hear this… Look for the light. Just like my dad would leave a light on for me as a child, our Heavenly Father has left His light on for you and me. There is goodness all around us, even within the dark times. Don’t miss it.

Lord, thank you for sending your son to be the light in our world and lives. Please

shine into every corner of our lives where darkness tries to steal our hope. This

Christmas and every day of the year, help us to see you and know you more. Help us

to grow in our faith as we cling tightly to you, knowing in every season, YOU are the

light. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tanya Duffey