A Lamp Shining in a Dark Place


"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone." Isaiah 9:2





We have entered into the season of waiting. Advent. It begins not with the eggnog and Mariah Carey but instead a realization of the darkness. That a promise of light came to a people familiar with dark. And that we now await his return, experiencing the very real dark of our own sinful flesh and the brokenness of our world.





We are meant to ache for more. To cry out for light. This year of all years has seasoned us for this very act. We are acquainted with uncertainty, loss, grief, anger, longing.





We have come face to face with our own idolatry. We are beginning to recognize the ways we placed hope in things that are not light. Even our reliance on self above all things has only left us shattered and bitter.





We have lost control. Events of the day are beyond us and our weak attempts at conspiracy to provide answers only leaves us deeper in the dark. We have been brought again to the reminder that there is One sovereign but it is not us.





So we wait. Longing for light.





But we wait with hope. Because in Christ we have been exposed and rescued by light. Each and every day now brings us one closer to his return and eternal reign. The correcting of all that is wrong. The healing of all things. We can trust the promise of Maranatha because a child was born.





"And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts," 2 Peter 1:19 (ESV)





The lamp is still shining, the day is dawning. Wait well my friends. Look to Jesus. Feel the encroaching darkness and know there is a better home. Cling to his forgiveness, comfort, and new life. As the light has shone on you, shine it among others. Christmas is coming...


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