Darkness overshadowed the face of the earth at the time when God commanded light on the scene by saying; “Let there be light!” Do you know that darkness disappeared instantly? From his reaction, we deduce that God did not like what he had seen; “Now the earth was formless and empty darkness was over the surface of the deep...” (Genesis 1:2) When Adam fell because of sin, the earth was again enveloped in darkness, only this time around it was spiritual darkness. The people had eyes but could not see; ears but could not hear and their understanding was dulled. It was a sad state of affairs because from thence, human beings ceased to live their full potential. God had made Adam king and had required him to take dominion over all he had created. However, God could not watch this situation persist, “for in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)
When according to God’s timetable the time was ripe, God spoke through his prophet Isaiah thus: “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.” (Isaiah 9:2)The prophet further revealed the light. “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 Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 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.” (Isaiah 9:7)
The kingdom that Jesus would establish will be ruled with justice and righteousness; far removed from the way the world is governed – with wickedness and injustice. Of special significance is the fact that his kingdom is forever, his reign is perpetual. It shall never come to an end. This son would reign as king in his kingdom. Understand that Jesus will reign in our hearts, not in an earthly kingdom.
As we commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus, let us reflect on the reason for the season. God does nothing without a reason. The hymn writer penned these words: “He laid down his glory in order to be ‘born that man no more may die, born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.” When the angel visited Joseph he revealed to him that the name of the child would be Jesus, “because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)What is Matthew saying? The light that prophet Isaiah prophesied about, pointed to Jesus who came as the light of the world. He himself confirmed it when he proclaimed: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Apostle John, having served three and a half years under Jesus, wrote: “In him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” (John 1:4-5)
John the Baptist in a bid to take off the spot light on himself was quick to reveal that he had come as a witness “...to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world,” (John 1:7-8)
This feast of the Incarnation is an opportunity to invite the Lord Jesus into our hearts so that he can lighten our darkness. Our darkness will turn to day if we should invite him in.
“The unfolding of your word gives light.” (Psalm 119:130) Though some people love darkness, most people are drawn to the light. The coming of the Messiah is a major event in the history of humankind when God himself takes the form of a human being so that we may see and experience God’s marvellous light. We, the Gentiles, have been invited into the realm of the light and are being asked to flee darkness because the author of light has come.
May the coming of our Lord this festive season be an opportunity for us to turn our darkness into his marvellous light.
Amen!
