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
This chapter of Isaiah is a prophecy about the coming Messiah, Jesus. If there was no reason for it, this coming would not be celebrated, but there was a darkness around the world at this time. Sin had come into the world, and man, from generation to generation, was struggling to cope with the demands of sin. Right from the Garden of Eden, man lost the power to live right, and was at the mercy of the powers of darkness. That is what sin does: robs you of your life and gives you nothing but pain, sorrow and sickness in return.
Do not be deceived: you can't by yourself get over sin; you need the help of the Most High God to overcome the power of sin. This is where the light of today's extract comes in. No matter how long or thick the darkness is, the smallest sliver of light will change everything. No matter how long I have walked in darkness and ignorance, Jesus wants to change the story and make things new. It is not his will that a man walks in the darkness of sin, and that is why He paid such a high price for sin.
He gave his own life willingly as a perfect offering for sin, so that I would know the fullness of all I now stand to gain in union with Jesus. Can I ask and answer truthfully: have I met and experienced this Light? Have I embraced this light and made it mine? In this season we are in now, these questions are quite relevant. We can't celebrate the season of Light without knowing the Light. We can't keep the usual festivities and exchange of gifts while ignoring and rejecting the greatest gift that was ever given.
The Christ in Christmas is the reality of the light that is shining, and you can't take him out and still have the light. The light does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, colour or creed; all men, irrespective of location, now have access to the Light. For all who are walking in darkness due to ignorace or bondage to sin, or who have found residence and are living in darkness, there is now access to Light. The offer is made; it is free to all men, and there are consequences for whatever decision you make. Choose Light; it will definitely outlast darkness. God's time of favour is here.
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