An Earthly Container of Divine Light
There was a moment in history when God’s light dawned; the night Jesus was born. God had not walked the earth and fellowshipped with man since the Garden of Eden. Now suddenly, our divine Creator had become one of us. The apostle John refers to Jesus as the light throughout his gospel, but my favorite chapter is the 1st one. And this morning one verse stands out.
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. (John 1:9 NIV)
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2 NIV)
Before God’s Light Dawned
John’s gospel focuses on Jesus as the divine light. The source of life. But Isaiah 9 emphasizes our darkness. I like the imagery. When we’re coming out of a dark cave, sudden sunlight blinds us. But sunrise increases the light slowly. Our eyes adjust until we’re enjoying full daylight.
Here are a few verses from Isaiah 9, pertaining to the Messiah’s 1st and 2nd coming.
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
6 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.
7 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, 6-7 NIV)
Amen.
This delightful digital image came from Pixabay.com.
Author’s note: I’m traveling for the holidays, so I decided to release my post a few days early. Merry Christmas!
Resources:
I did a word search for “the light” on Biblegateway.com and pulled out all the verses in John’s gospel. Feel free to see each verse in context or read the full chapter.
