Isaiah 9:1-4 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 9:1-4 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 9But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. Verse 2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness- on them light has shined. Verse 3You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. Verse 4For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
Devotion
Walking in darkness is risky business. I literally carry scars from some ill-fated excursions after dark. Isaiah, however, is not talking about a trip down the hallway to the kitchen in search of a late-night snack. “Walking in darkness” is not a moment in time, it is the lifelong experience of the human condition. Fortunately, we have not been left fumbling in the dark, looking for the switch. We don’t turn on the light—the light has come to us! In Jesus Christ, light has come to the darkest corners of our lives, whatever or wherever they may be.
Prayer
We give you thanks, O Lord, for the coming of the light to our lives. Shine on us with the radiance of your presence this day. Lighten our darkness. Amen.