January 20th Reflection - The Light - by Bill Lynch

Isaiah 9:1-4
But there will be no gloom for those who were 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 will make 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 lived in a land of deep darkness—
   on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
   you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
   as with joy at the harvest,
   as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
   and the bar across their shoulders,
   the rod of their oppressor,
   you have broken as on the day of Midian.

Reflection - The Light
Israel was under attack by Assyria and the land of Zebulun and Naphtali were of the first to fall in defeat of this invading country. So, likewise Zebulun and Naphtali were in "darkness" the longest. This passage is a passage of contrasts. Just think of the joy that must have been felt when coming out of that long darkness into the light of fellowship and joy of being back with those you love. We take peace for granted in the United States and just expect to live in peace and comfort and joy. After all the premise of the pursuit of happiness is one foundation to what we live for in this country. But what about places that don't live in peace? How they must long for the joy of the harvest. How they must hunger and wait for that light to shine in the darkness of no electricity.How they must yearn for peace and joy.

Yet, this passage also speaks beyond the present or the past ages of peace and war. We all experience some type of darkness. We all live in the shadow, or perhaps in the depths of the darkness of sin and death. We all have walked through our personal battles and need the Light. When Jesus comes to us and we see and believe; we can't help but notice the great Light he gives to us in life when we deserved death. We see the Light of God shine brightly before us and the love of God in action around us in Jesus. We see a God that comes to save us from our sin. We are in the Light and are happy to go and tell of this great Light that has come into the midst of darkness to save us and give us eternal peace.

So, let us rejoice with the people of Zebulun and Naphtali. Let us rejoice in the Light of Jesus the Christ, the Savior, our God, our Messiah that he has come to all and to each. Yes, let us rejoice in peace, joy and unity!

Prayer
Lord, come to those war torn areas of the world today. Show the people your great Light of peace. May they experience the contrast of darkness to Light that only you can bring into this world. Help us as your willing servants to follow your lead and to go and tell and act out the mission and purpose of your Light in this world... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen