“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” Isaiah 9:2
Darkness came to the people of Israel when the Assyrians took them into captivity. The northern kingdom of Israel was never restored and became what we know as Samaria. During and after the captivity, the Israelites were living in total darkness. With today´s verses, the prophet Isaiah tells the people that, even though they were living in a season of darkness, they would see a great light. The light would shine upon them eventually.
These verses refer to Jesus´ second coming. In His first coming, Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby in a manger in Bethlehem, just as prophesied. Jesus fulfilled many of the prophecies of the Messiah during His birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. However, there are some prophecies regarding the Messiah that Jesus has not yet fulfilled. The second coming of Christ will be the return of Christ to fulfill these remaining prophecies. In His first coming, Jesus was the suffering Servant. In His second coming, Jesus will be the conquering King. In His first coming, Jesus arrived in the most humble of circumstances. In His second coming, Jesus will arrive with the armies of heaven at His side. He will come back as the King and sit on the throne in Jerusalem.
We were in darkness before Jesus saved us. Even now, as Christians, a black cloud of darkness occasionally forms over our heads when life gets hard. Today´s verses give us hope. Jesus takes us out of the darkness. When we cling to Him and His Word, there is no corner He can´t brighten. There is no darkness He can´t clear.
Oh Jesus, You took Your people out of the darkness of captivity. You took me out of the darkness of my sin. I thank You for the hope I have in You, that even on the darkest days of my life, You guide me and strengthen me. Amen.
Mini challenge: Darkness is defined as the absence of light. Let´s start our Christmas study lighting some candles around the house while we meditate on today´s verses.
Reading Plan
Memory Verse
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Christmas is a dark season for many people for various reasons. I pray that they would turn to God’s word for His light to surround them and see them through.
Amen dear. We pray so too. Dear Lord, please let your light and love shine in all hearts this season. Break the chains of darkness. In Jesus name. Amen.
Lord, I pray that you help me to be a light for someone living in darkness. Please help us all to be the light this world so desperately needs. Thank you for loving us all Father. In your name. Amen
Amen Tanissha. We stand in agreement with you in prayer. Thank you Father for hearing our prayers.
What a blessing. Light banishes dark. As I read this I cant help but picture the meme that goes around the social media world pretty regularly. It shows a match that has been lit, with a bright light shining on it, you can see shadows all around, except behind the flame. The fire(light) casts no shadow.
Kristen, I have seen that meme too. And yes this post does remind us of that. Thank you for sharing this insight with us this morning! What a blessing indeed. Light banishes dark, Amen!
Sometimes it’s hard to see light in darkness. I imagine that for Israel they had spent so much time in darkness it was hard to even recognize the light. Fear, doubt, pride, disappointment etc these are all obstructions to the light. Praying for the light of Gods love to penetrate even the most stubborn, most disappointed, most saddest of hearts so that in the darkness the true light will shine ♡
Amen and amen dear. May God’s light shine and shine bright!!!
Mandy, I agree. My prayer is for those who feel they are so far in the darkness that there is no light. God is our light out. May we be the hands and feet of Christ that help those to see the light. Sometimes, that is as close as home or as far from us as strangers we meet. As we pray for those in the darkness, let’s also pray for those who are God’s light… to be able to show them the path that Jesus has for them.
My heart is burdened for those friends and family members who have turned from God. I am praying for those who desperately need God in their lives, that they feel His love, delivered from the darkness and come to see His Light. Thank you for this study which I know will be such a great blessing to all in this season.
Amen to your prayers dear. May all hearts be open to His light through Christ. Amen.
God bless you dear Carol for your prayers. May God do His work in their lives. Amen.
Is there a way to have this as a word document in the reading plan? I want to be able to use it.
I am in need of a group…there are just so many. Can someone please help
You can join ours – just 3 of us – if u like…
I was once the “Them” – in the deep darkness of my sin but God shine His Light on me-like a flashlight- so i saw my sin, repented and trusted in Jesus- the Light of the world- to Save me. I praise and thank Him -i pray He helps me shine brightly especially in this Christmas season because too much business and bustle can be “darkness”.
I have so many friends and family around me that are living in darkness. I am praying fervently that my life would shine the light and love of Jesus on them! That theyd awake from the darkness and welcome the light and salvation of the Lord!
We are all called to be the light of this world and there is someone waiting for us to show them the way out! Lord help us to shine bright for someone today nd everyday!
I just started this today so a little behind but wanted you to know that this first day really spoke to me. I’m recovering from back surgery and healing well but my spirit went into this dark, emotional place I wasn’t expecting. I know in my heart this will pass but it’s been very hard with holidays, weather and inability to get out. Thank you so much for reminding me that ‘there is no darkness He cannot clear’