People in the Darkness See Light

By Jimmy Purchase

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a 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 as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”—Isaiah 9:2–7 (NIV)

When you look at the world around you, how do you feel? Do you feel the world is broken? Does it seem to you that evil is growing, damaging everything it touches? Do things seem spiritually dark? One of my favorite authors begins her advent book with this striking line: “Every year, Advent begins in the dark.”

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Israel knew that darkness well—centuries of exile, oppression, and silence. Yet even in the shadows, God promised a light that would break through: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given... and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Advent invites us to sit honestly in the darkness around us. It teaches us to see the world as it truly is: broken, restless, aching for redemption. But we don’t sit in despair because we know that one day, God will come to bring restoration to our world. The sin, injustice, and sorrow that surround us are not the final word. Advent gives us permission to cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

The church lives between two advents—between the first coming of Christ as an infant and the second coming of Christ in glory. We look back with gratitude at the manger in Bethlehem, and we look forward with hope to the day when “He will wipe every tear from their eyes” and “make all things new” (Revelation 21:4–5). In this in-between time, we pray for the same things Isaiah’s people did—light in our darkness, peace in our chaos, and justice in our world.

James K.A. Smith writes, “During advent each year, the Christian year teaches us to once again become Israel, recognizing our sin and need, that waiting, longing, hoping, calling, praying for the coming of the Messiah, the advent of justice, and the in-breaking of shalom. We go through the ritual of desiring the kingdom—a kind of holy impatience—by re-enacting Israel’s longing for the coming of the King. We are called to be a people of expectancy—looking for the coming (again) of the Messiah.”

This Advent season, don’t rush past the darkness. Don’t ignore it, stuffing feelings deep down. You have permission to sit in it, name it, and cry out to God from it. Because the story of advent tells us this: Even when the world feels darkest, the light has already dawned—and that light will one day fill the earth, restoring all things “far as the curse is found.”

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make his blessings flow

Far as the curse is found

Put It To Practice: Sabbath

The Sabbath is all about intentional rest. God established the Sabbath after finishing His work of creation, and He commanded us to keep the Sabbath holy as a set apart experience of resting in Him. Everyone rests differently! Whatever it may look like for you, practice Sabbath this weekend by doing something that brings you joy and honors God.

For the Family

Today’s Main Idea: One day, Christ will come back to make all things new.

Ask Together:

1. How can you share the light of Jesus with the world?
2. What’s something you want Jesus to make new one day?

Prayer

Lord, in the darkness around us, help us to remember that Your light has already dawned. Teach us to wait with hope, to long for Your justice and peace to fill the earth. Let the promise of Your coming fill our hearts with joy, even as we cry, “Come, Lord Jesus.” Amen.