Day 12: A celebratory light

Today’s scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7 (New International Version) The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

3 You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as men rejoice
when dividing the plunder.

4 For as in the day of Midian's defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.

5 Every warrior's boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace

there will be no end.

He will reign on David's throne

and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the LORD Almighty

will accomplish this.

The Christmas season is supposed to be “the most wonderful time, of the year.” Sing along. You remember the words. Yet, for many, it is the most difficult time of the year. Loneliness, despair, anguish, and depression are at their highest from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. Suicide rates are at their highest during the holiday season. What gives? It doesn’t sound like such a happy occasion to me.

Isaiah was a prophet, a poet, and a politician. One Old Testament scholar called him the William Shakespeare of Hebrew literature. Isaiah’s vocabulary and use of imagery made him a writer unsurpassed in the Bible. The New Testament quotes Isaiah more than all the other prophets combined. Israel, like America today, was at a crossroads, and Isaiah rose to meet the challenge. He sought justice and heard the cries of distress. The prophet noted that the people “were walking in darkness … in the shadow of death.”

Sounds equally grim. The Israelites were consulting mediums and spiritists for guidance instead of God. They were desperate, but they gave only lip service to God. Isaiah saw the appearance of religion, but few righteous acts. His answer in 750 BC was the same as it is today: A light has “dawned,” and it is Jesus. He referred to himself as the “light of the world” in John 8:12. Darkness entails much of the world today and it includes addictions, depressions, shame, fear, prolonged illness, low self-esteem and even religion. The light of Jesus, however, gives hope to the world.

For those who come out of darkness to live in the light, Isaiah has a word for you: Stop moping around and show your joy. “They rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest” (vs. 3b) because “the prince of peace” will be born in Bethlehem. The shepherds followed the light. The Magi worshipped the Jesus. They all knew instantly that this baby in swaddling clothes was the Messiah, born to save the world. Jesus was born to reconcile us to God and to take away our burdens. He came so that we could live life abundantly. That means giving up your old life and following Jesus. Every time one lost soul steps into the light, the angels celebrate in heaven. We should be rejoicing, too.

Did you know: The song says, "On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 12 Drummer Drumming ..." which signifies the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed.