Advent2025_Dec13
The Light Has Dawned
Isaiah 9:2–7; Luke 1:78–79
The light long promised has now begun to shine in Christ.
Centuries before Zechariah ever held his son or Mary ever sang her song, God spoke through Isaiah to a people walking in deep darkness. Their world was full of fear, uncertainty, oppression, and shadows . . . the same kinds of shadows we often feel in our own day. And into that darkness, God promised a light so bright, so sure, that the night itself would begin to flee.
“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 wasn’t describing a hopeful mood or a general optimism. He was speaking of a Person . . . a Child born, a Son given, One upon whose shoulders the government of the world would one day rest. His name would be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This was no ordinary king. This was God’s redeeming Light wrapped in human flesh.
And now, in Luke 1, Zechariah sees that ancient promise beginning to dawn. The “sunrise from on high” has come to visit God’s people. The Light Isaiah spoke of is no longer far off on the horizon. He is here; in Bethlehem, in a manger, in the arms of a young mother who believed the Word of the Lord.
Think of that: the same God who spoke light into the world at creation, who promised light through the prophets, now sends Light into the world through His Son. It is as if all of history has been holding its breath, waiting for this moment when darkness would be pierced and peace would begin to reign.
And notice why this Light has come: to give light to those in darkness; to shine on those in the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace.
This is not a light for the proud, the self-sufficient, or the spiritually impressive. It is a light for the weary, the fearful, the burdened, and the lost. A light for people like us.
Advent reminds us that the Light has already dawned, and one day it will shine in full. The Child born in Bethlehem is also the King who will return in glory. The first dawn guarantees the coming day. Until then, we walk toward Him. We trust Him. We let His Word steady our steps. And we remember that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
_____
For Young Ones: What did Isaiah say about the light God would send? How does Jesus bring that light?
For Older Ones: Where might God be calling you to take a concrete step of obedience or reconciliation as He “guides your feet into the way of peace”?
Pray: Lord Jesus, Light of the world, thank You for breaking into our darkness. Help us walk in Your peace and trust that Your light will lead us every step of the way.
Family Practice: Before worship tomorrow, read Isaiah 9:2–7 aloud together. As each name of Jesus is spoken, pause to thank Him for who He is.
Isaiah 9:2–7; Luke 1:78–79
The light long promised has now begun to shine in Christ.
Centuries before Zechariah ever held his son or Mary ever sang her song, God spoke through Isaiah to a people walking in deep darkness. Their world was full of fear, uncertainty, oppression, and shadows . . . the same kinds of shadows we often feel in our own day. And into that darkness, God promised a light so bright, so sure, that the night itself would begin to flee.
“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 wasn’t describing a hopeful mood or a general optimism. He was speaking of a Person . . . a Child born, a Son given, One upon whose shoulders the government of the world would one day rest. His name would be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This was no ordinary king. This was God’s redeeming Light wrapped in human flesh.
And now, in Luke 1, Zechariah sees that ancient promise beginning to dawn. The “sunrise from on high” has come to visit God’s people. The Light Isaiah spoke of is no longer far off on the horizon. He is here; in Bethlehem, in a manger, in the arms of a young mother who believed the Word of the Lord.
Think of that: the same God who spoke light into the world at creation, who promised light through the prophets, now sends Light into the world through His Son. It is as if all of history has been holding its breath, waiting for this moment when darkness would be pierced and peace would begin to reign.
And notice why this Light has come: to give light to those in darkness; to shine on those in the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace.
This is not a light for the proud, the self-sufficient, or the spiritually impressive. It is a light for the weary, the fearful, the burdened, and the lost. A light for people like us.
Advent reminds us that the Light has already dawned, and one day it will shine in full. The Child born in Bethlehem is also the King who will return in glory. The first dawn guarantees the coming day. Until then, we walk toward Him. We trust Him. We let His Word steady our steps. And we remember that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
_____
For Young Ones: What did Isaiah say about the light God would send? How does Jesus bring that light?
For Older Ones: Where might God be calling you to take a concrete step of obedience or reconciliation as He “guides your feet into the way of peace”?
Pray: Lord Jesus, Light of the world, thank You for breaking into our darkness. Help us walk in Your peace and trust that Your light will lead us every step of the way.
Family Practice: Before worship tomorrow, read Isaiah 9:2–7 aloud together. As each name of Jesus is spoken, pause to thank Him for who He is.
Recent
Archive
Categories
no categories
No Comments