The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. You will multiply the nation, You will increase their joy; they will rejoice in Your presence as with the joy of harvest, as people rejoice when they divide the spoils. (Isaiah 9:2-3)
As we enter the holiday season, many experience joy and festivity but for some the season is a sad one. We may be reminded of the hard parts of life, like the estranged relationships that still are broken, the loss of loved ones, or even just the busyness that overwhelms our days. Wherever we turn, even in a season of celebration, we are reminded of the hope we need.
In this passage from Isaiah, God does not deny the hardship of the world or downplay its impact on humanity. When we live without God, we live without hope. We walk in darkness, trying to make sense of the brokenness of the world without any hope of a solution. We cannot hide the broken parts of life even with our best attempts at embracing holiday cheer. But with God we have hope because He has provided the light that shines into the darkness. He didn’t provide a quick fix, but rather a lasting hope that helps us navigate the brokenness we still wrestle with and promises fullness of joy and redemption to come. Whether you are in a season of grief or just a busy holiday schedule, God’s hope is available and accessible to reach every dark place. His light is all consuming and His plan from thousands of years ago is for that light to reach the dark places. This includes you and whatever you are facing now.
- What are some hard parts of the holiday season for you? How does the hope of God help you in those areas?
- Who do you know in dark places right now? How can you share this hope with them?
- Pray and invite God’s light into the dark places of your life. Ask Him to shine His light into the hard areas of others’ lives as well.
