Day 13: Isaiah 9:1-2
But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.
Isaiah spoke these words before the Assyrian empire invaded Israel. Zebulun and Naphtali were the first lands to fall; the inhabitants groaned in suffering. Light finally came when Jesus ministered in their land.
Challenges in life heighten our anticipation. The darkness, we hope and pray, gives way to a great light. Israel anticipated a light that would deliver hope and freedom. When we suffer we long not just for the end of the suffering, but the end of all suffering; anticipating what will be fulfilled in Jesus’ final return. This hope sustains us through the pains of life. Christmas is a mournful time for many: remembering loss, loved ones, and empty places at tables. How can you shine light and show the hope of Christ to those hurting this Christmas? Consider the comfort God gives you, and from that place comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).