Thoughts for the Day

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest....

For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

During Advent we shall look at the people, places and symbols that invite us to prepare for the coming of the Christ-child at Christmas. They will not necessarily occur in the right order! Today we look at 'The Light of the world' .

We are unfortunately accustomed to seeing images of war on our television screens as countries seek to invade their neighbour's territory. There are no winners, all we see is ruined cities and distraught families. It was the same in the Prophet Isaiah's time. He can see the writing is on the wall for those living in the northern area of the country (the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun) for Assyria is looking their way. They would shortly be the first to be exiled from their homeland after the Assyrians invaded. Such a fate would also eventually overcome those living in the south when the Babylonians invaded Jerusalem.

Isaiah uses the metaphor of 'light' to give hope to the people. Light can be both physical and spiritual. It can bring people together on dark nights for light and warmth, and is particularly used at times of celebration. But lack of light is used to think of times of tribulation. We say they are 'dark times', or that someone is "in a dark place". Isaiah says God will one day give the people a light that will draw them together again. This light will be a child - a tiny baby, fragile and totally dependant on others - who will amazingly be called "Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace". This Messiah will bring in a time of everlasting peace and He will rule with justice and righteousness. Isaiah prophesied long before Jesus was born, and we can see that his prophecy has still not been completely fulfilled, but we look forward to a time when God's plan will be completed.

Too many people in the world today still prefer the darkness of sin and misery. We can only start with ourselves - by making God's Son, our Counsellor - that is our teacher and gude, as we revisit the story of his birth.

O Light of the world
born as a Babe in Bethlehem,
we acknowledge that
You are our God,
You are our King,
You are our Counsellor,
and You are our Prince of Peace.
May we start by listening to Your
words of love and encouragement.
and confess our sins of neglect.
Then may we be ready to welcome,
You again, tomorrow, with great joy.
Amen.