A GREAT LIGHT

A GREAT LIGHT!

Isa 9:2

2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Matt 4:13-16

13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:

14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,

15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;

16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

The prophet has been speaking in the previous chapter of a time of terrible distress and perplexity which was close at hand. King and people had forsaken their God. The people in their terror were resorting to wizards and to necromancers for guidance instead of resorting to God. And the prophet warns them that the national unbelief and apostasy shall bring its sure chastisement in national despair. (from The Biblical Illustrator)

If ever there was a period in history that mirrors the time of Isaiah and Matthew it is now. Our world is in great turmoil because we have abandoned God and, in our terror, we resort to all things and anything except God. Global unbelief has brought its sure chastisement and we are plunged deeper into darkness.

But the people which sat in darkness have seen a great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. Christmas celebrates the coming of that light.

Old Simeon, waiting in the Temple for the promised Messiah, recognized the light in Jesus as he was presented for circumcision.    

Luke 2:29-32

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Dear Lord, at this very dark time, may our leaders see the light and may we awaken to truth and follow it. AMEN