Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:2–7
Reflection
I can’t help but think of the opening scene from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. The words scroll across the screen: “It is a dark time…” Those words set the tone for everything that follows in that movie — evil seems to be winning, good feels fragile, and hope flickers in the shadows.
In many ways, Isaiah’s time felt like that. Darkness had settled over God’s people. Their united kingdom had been divided. Idolatry had crept into their lives. They still performed their religious rituals, but their hearts were far from God. They had forgotten the One who had created them, rescued them, and promised to bless them.
God seemed distant. Hope seemed lost.
Into that backdrop of darkness, God sends a messenger. His name was Isaiah, and his message to the people was one of hope and promise.
Isaiah spoke words that must have seemed hard to believe at the time:
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
He proclaimed that God was not done with His people. The darkness would not have the final word. A child would be born, a Son given, whose very presence would change everything. He would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah’s message painted a picture of a world transformed — where oppression would end, joy would increase, and peace would reign forever. But that message wasn’t just an idea or a metaphor. It was a person.
It was Jesus.
When Jesus came into the world, He fulfilled these promises completely. John’s Gospel echoes Isaiah’s hope: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
We all experience “dark times” — seasons when God seems far away, when life feels uncertain, or when we can’t see the next step. Maybe it’s grief, stress, or the weight of unmet expectations. But Isaiah’s message reminds us that even when we can’t see the light, God is already breaking through the darkness.
The same God who sent light to His people through Jesus continues to shine His hope into our lives today. He hasn’t forgotten you. He hasn’t left you. The light of Christ is still shining. It’s shining into our hearts and lives. Maybe we just need to slow down, take a moment, and remember the promises of our Savior.
This Christmas season, anchor yourself in that truth. When the world feels heavy, when schedules get crowded, or when joy feels hard to find, remember:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.”
It’s the promise that God sees you, loves you, and has come to be with you.
Reflection Questions
- Have there been times when you’ve felt overwhelmed or like God was distant?
- What truths about Jesus bring you comfort in those moments?
- As you celebrate Christmas, what’s one promise about Jesus you can hold onto as your anchor of hope?
Application
- Set aside a moment during the week to pause, breathe, and intentionally remember God’s promises.
- Identify one area of your life that feels heavy or dark and pray specifically for Christ’s light to break in.
- Write down a Scripture from Isaiah 9 or John 1 and place it somewhere visible this week.
Additional Scripture for Deeper Study
- John 1:1–14
- Psalm 27:1
- Isaiah 60:1–3
Family Activity
Tonight, gather your family to prepare your Advent candles. Let your children help decorate or place them where everyone can see. As you do, talk about how Jesus is the Light of the World — the light that shines in our darkness and brings hope to all people.