Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. 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 increase 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.
Our text for today is from the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah was living in Jerusalem in the southern kingdom of Judah. He prophesied both about judgement and hope.
- Judgement, because the people of Israel had wandered far from God. They had rejected God’s teachings and law. They had worshiped other gods. They had stopped asking for God’s leading….and had begun seeking out mediums, spiritists, and fortune-tellers to get help. As a result, Isaiah described them as distressed, and living in darkness.
- However, today’s text is also one of hope. Isaiah prophecies that people living in darkness will experience a great light. This light will come as the result of a child’s birth. A royal child who will reign on the throne of David.
- At the time, this may have simply been heard as a prophecy of an earthly king. However, as Christians, we now read these texts as God’s promise for Israel and the entire world. This text points to Jesus Christ, and the eternal light that came into a very dark world.
- Each year we remind ourselves of one of the main themes of advent. It is the contrast between darkness and light. It is the image of being in the dark….but waiting for the light.
All of us have experienced the inconvenience and fear of darkness. Maybe you’ve tried reading without enough light, going up or downstairs at night in the dark – feeling your way along, or holding a sick, feverish child through the night, wondering if you can make it to the dawn. For me, after living many years in Japan – earthquakes at night were one of the most frightening things to experience. They are also frightening in broad daylight, but not being able to see as you run downstairs, or run from your home was always a bit scary. In each of these examples – a bit of light, more sufficient light – would solve or at least alleviate the problem and take away some of the fear.
Light is essential for life.
- Isaiah 9:2 echoes the opening verses of the Bible (Genesis 1:2-3) ‘Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.’
- The beginning of life….starts with light.
- The Spirit of God hovered over the darkness of the physical world, ready for creation to burst forth…..
- In the same way, God’s spirit moves and is at work in our spiritual darkness, preparing to bring new life.
- In both the physical and spiritual situations, God’s answer for darkness is “LIGHT”.
- In Isaiah chapters 8 and 9, darkness is clearly a metaphor, an image, for sin. The people had wandered far from God. They were each going their own way. The result, according to Isaiah, was that they were living in darkness and distress. But Isaiah promised a time when a bright light would appear and bring salvation.
In our present world, we too experience spiritual darkness.
- War (Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, Israel, and many other locations)
- Hate and racism, injustice and inequality
- Just like Isaiah described the Israelites of old – ignoring God, seeking help from fortune-tellers, spiritists, and their own made-up religions, etc., – we presently do the same.
- We can’t escape the darkness and suffering and pain that this world brings. We’re surrounded by it.
But we have seen the dawning of a new and great light. This great light is Jesus and Jesus provides the beginning of new life. Do we really believe this?
We have 4 weeks until we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus.
How are you preparing your heart?
- Perhaps today, on this first Sunday of Advent, we can prepare by accepting the darkness and brokenness of our world, of our own lives, of our need for a Savior. And then we can take time to wait quietly and consider the coming of Jesus into our lives. This is hard to do while buying presents and frantically “getting ready for the holidays” – but it’s well worth the effort.
- What are your struggles today? Emotional, spiritual, financial, physical illness? We don’t need to pretend to be cheery. We don’t need to deny our deep need and longing for healing and wholeness. That is what ADVENT is about. Waiting in darkness, but with hope…. and desire…. and longing…. for a Savior.
Our world IS broken and in need of healing. But a Savior is promised!
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
(the above is a summary of the message shared during worship on December 1, 2024.)
Japanese Congregational Church 