“the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light,
on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen”
Matthew 4:16
COMMENTARY.
As We approach the fourth week of Advent, the birth of Jesus which changed the world forever is ever closer.
One of my favorite metaphors for Jesus is comparing him to LIGHT. Jesus is the light of the world. A world so dark with its burdens of sin and disease awaits the one who will lighten our load…
Come to me all you who labor and are burdened…and I will give you rest… Matthew 11:28.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing” Isaiah 9:1-2
The first chapter of John’s Gospel describes the role of Jesus, “What came to be through him was life,and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:2-4
“A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light…He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world” John 1:4-9
Later in John’s Gospel, Jesus affirms He is that light. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”John 8:12
REFLECTION
Those who choose Light….become children of the Light….and testify to the Light…
Do I hide my light under a bushel or do I let it shine everywhere, even where inconvenient, in the public square?
Are there things hidden in my own life that need the light of Christ…
O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here Until the son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
Let us be people of the Light who walk in the Light and give witness to the Light everywhere we go! AMEN!