Encroaching Light

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. — Isaiah 9:2, NASB

Darkness. It can unexpectantly invade your life and overpower you. When only darkness is visible around you, it blinds you to hope. There is fear in the air when you can’t see what’s before you. Hope is crushed beneath the encroaching darkness. No path forward is visible. When you can’t see where you’re going, you stumble along, falling over obstacles you cannot see. You follow sheep without a shepherd, looking for a way forward.

And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. – Luke 2:9

You’re wandering in the field in the dark of night with the rest of flock. Cold and shivering in the damp grass, you hear the groans of unseen others. A prayer emerges from your lips seeking a glimmer of hope, a direction. All you want is a pinpoint of light to pierce this darkness and show you the way out. Suddenly a brilliant light appears. An angel of the Lord surrounded by the glory of the Lord. Fear rises up, threatening to overtake you. 

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. – Luke 2:10-11

This good news shines brightly, pushing out the darkness. The glory of the Lord is filling every corner of your life and revealing truth. It overpowers your fear. “Do not be afraid.” You feel the urge to cover your eyes. The light is blinding. Eyes closed, the darkness returns, but you feel the warmth of the light driving out the chill. “Born for me?” What to do with the news of a savior?

This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:12, NASB

A baby. How could a small helpless child, totally dependent on the care of others be a savior? Yet isn’t that a picture of yourself, helpless, needing others? In the eyes of a baby cradled in your arms there is the hope of new life. You are holding onto a new beginning. How could a tiny baby in a simple manger bring so much hope? 

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us. So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.” – Luke 2:15-16, NASB

You found your way and now before your eyes there lies a baby in a manger. Simple. Content. Approachable. Hope is laying there in front of you, welcoming you into His presence. All your burdens suddenly fade away as you feel the warmth of this new life, a savior wrapped in common clothes welcoming you into His midst. His presence warms you. His light surrounds you. Let His life transform you.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30, NASB

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6