From Darkness to Light

Darkness threatens. Wars and saber-rattling. Division and slander. Disease and death. What does one tell a child?

Tell them of Christmas.

The joy, hope, and light of Christ-with-us shines forth strongly in a world oppressed by darkness. The good news reframes the newsfeeds, and redirects the weary ache of our own souls. We recognize our need and our longing for a Savior, and we see the wonder of what our Lord has done and will do.

Those who walked in the dark

have seen a bright light.

And it shines upon everyone

who lives in the land

of darkest shadows.

Isaiah 9:2 (CEV)

All the many things we must help our children deal with—death, despair, sin, separation—all are opportunities to point them to the hope and light of Jesus.

When Isaiah first wrote these words, he was speaking to a nation that had abandoned God’s instructions, his Word. This left them overwhelmed in darkness, but the prophet spoke words of hope. Jesus is God’s Word. When we reject him, we too find ourselves in darkness. But he came to us when we were utterly lost, scattering the shadows. Because of him, we have joy for today and hope for eternity.

If darkness threatens your family in depression, sin or separations, turn to the Word, the light of the world. As Advent begins, help your family consider their need and longing for a Savior. Then rejoice in the breakthrough of light in Jesus. We do not need to walk in the dark!

PRAY

Lord, thank you for hope! Light! Jesus! Help me to remember how much I need a Savior. And help me show my children their need too. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): Where does the dark go when you switch on the light in a dark room? Is there some place in your life where you need more of God’s light?

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand their Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Look up the following passages for today:

Luke 1:78-79

John 8:12