Thursday 19 December 2024
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined. (v. 2)
Background
When I was a child my Mum and Dad would leave a small night light on in my room. While I was confined to a cot this was a small paraffin lamp but as I grew older it became the landing light that was left burning until I had gone to sleep and they came to bed. I was, I freely admit, afraid of the dark (especially when I saw the Daleks in ‘Dr Who’ on the television and imagined one rising through the bedroom floor!).
Perhaps this is why this small passage from Isaiah is one of my favourite passages. "The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light." (v. 2)
Okay, the writer is speaking to a people who have lost their way with their relationship with God and who seem to be stumbling through life. They are hoping for God to shine a light to show the way for them again.
It is also a passage that looks ahead to a light that will come from God into the world to illuminate the way for all people. All people, the writer suggests, stumble along – as though in the dark – without God.
Recently I stayed at Kielder Forest in Northumberland with a friend – we were taking part in a Traildog event. Due to high winds, the power supply to the cabin we were staying in was suddenly cut and we were plunged into darkness. With three barking dogs, a brief panic was relieved by a lighted match – which led us to torches and candles as well as to jokes, conversation and stories told in the relative darkness.
It flagged up the relief of seeing something, even very small, that will light the way to other things.
Our reading ends with the images of the promised child who will come and usher in a rather different kingdom rule to that which Isaiah's readers were experiencing (vs 6-7). It's a small hope and a small light to a people stumbling around – the same light that will shine in our broken world.
To Ponder:
- When have you felt as though you were stumbling through life in darkness? Who brought you light to help guide your way?
Prayer
Lord, may those stumbling in the darkness of pain, warfare, illness, loneliness or loss seek your light to shine upon them. May we offer ourselves as small flames in dark places to bring hope to our troubled world. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Una McLean
Una is a retired presbyter living in Northumberland with her small dog Patricia. She enjoys all manner of craft work, reading, theatre, cinema and music. She also participates in Traildog events, which grew out of people running in local park runs with their dogs (today she and Patricia walk them as Una treasures her knees).