Darkness is upon us. Yet shining in the night is a Savior, and He has come to shine on you.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of darkness and light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:2-3, 6 (NIV)

REFLECTION

There is no doubt that we are living is dark times. Violence and injustice are everywhere. People hurt those around them. Nations war, captives are taken, innocent suffer, and the earth itself rages with tempests, earthquakes, floods, and famine.

This is the residue of sin on planet earth, Things are broken. People are hurting. The night is here. Darkness is upon us. Yet shining in the night is a Savior, and He has come to shine on you. In fact, Scripture says that He gives His light to all who trust in Him.

Christ has come, and He has come to you. Look at the darkness and head that way. This is where He will shine brightest, and is needed most.

MEDITATION

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel,

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

O come, O Dayspring from on high,

And cheer us by you drawing nigh;

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

And death’s dark shadow put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!*

PRAYER

Father, You are everlasting; You are light for the nations. Arise and shine in and though me, for the night grows long. Give me patience and strength to be faithful until the light of Your kingdom fills the sky. By your grace and according to Your mercy, open the eyes of those who walk in darkness. Help me not to be one who constantly runs into the safety of light. Give me boldness to proclaim the light I have found in You in the darkest places. Amen.