By: Juliet Constantine

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:2)

I fell in love with city lights as a child. I love to walk at nighttime in lighted areas because of the peace and quietness it brings. But like most children, and a few adults, I am terrified of the dark. These days, I feel safer at home than enjoying my nighttime walk. While this is a common phobia to some degree, persons aren’t really afraid of the dark itself but of the possible or imagined dangers lurked in the darkness.

Before Jesus came, the people lived in darkness – even with the spiritual lights of true prophets, they were led astray by false prophets. “God allowed the prophet to look down the centuries to the coming of the promised Messiah. Many were being led astray by false teachers; others were not bringing true holiness into their daily living. The outlook seemed hopeless. But soon, a wondrous vision spread before the eyes of the prophet. He saw the Sun of Righteousness, and in wondrous admiration he exclaimed, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. This glorious Light of the world was to bring salvation to every nation and people.” (Royalty & Ruin pg. 135)

Then Jesus came! And the temper’s power was broken. All was changed! All false teachings of the Scribes and Pharisees were now challenged. Jews’ pride was now broken as salvation was come to all. People, who felt rejected and abandoned, were no longer afraid to be seen, be heard, or to exercise their faith. Light had come – they were no longer afraid of the dark. All God’s people would be restored – not just Jacob’s descendants. A new day has come!

“The promise of restoration was accompanied by many prophecies concerning the advent of the Messiah. In the fullness of time Immanuel, the promised Deliverer, was to appear, to dispel the darkness of centuries of apostasy. Those dwelling “in the land of the shadow of death” were to see “a great light.” The prophet, looking with rapture vision upon this glorious deliverance of those who had so long been groping in darkness, exclaimed: “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (RH April 8, 1915)

Jesus came to dispel all our darkness. He came to save us from our valley of shadow of death. He brought light to our sin problem and gave us hope of a better life. In whatever season we celebrate, let us remember the reason why He came. More so, let us allow Him to dispel all darkness in our lives and fill us with His light and peace. There’s no need to be afraid of the dark because our Light has come.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to show us the way home. Please help us to follow Your Star and we will be safely home. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)