HomeWord - Dec. 12, 2008
A Light in the Darkness
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt
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
This prophecy of the coming Messiah brought a sense of hope to people living in dark, difficult times. At times, we’ve all sensed the reality of living in a dark world. The hope of the prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus, who said, “I am the light of the world.” (See also Matthew 4:12-16.) Through Jesus, we can live our lives in the light of His love, peace, and truth.
“In Him was life, and that life was the light of men…The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” John 1:4, 8
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
(from O Little Town of Bethlehem)
We celebrate Christmas because God gave Jesus to us to shine light upon any darkness in our lives.
Going Deeper:
- How has Jesus brought light to your life?
- What are some things you can do today to demonstrate the light of Jesus to someone else?
Family Time: Today, light a candle in your home as a reminder of the light Jesus gives us. Use the content above to engage your family in a discussion about Jesus as the “light of life.” Encourage family members to be a source of light in the lives of others. Continue lighting the candle throughout the Christmas season as an ongoing reminder.
Jim Liebelt is Senior Editor of Publications at HomeWord.
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