A
Great Light
I
live in a subdivision at the base of the Bridger Mountains in Montana.
Originally a working ranch, this property was home to cattle and abundant
wildlife. The developers, wanting to keep a rural atmosphere, chose not to
install street lights. After the sun sets, it gets really dark except for dots of
light from homes and the heavenly display of stars that light up the night.
A
long time ago, a man by the name of Isaiah spoke these words to a world wrapped
in a different kind of darkness: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a
great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows-light!” This Old
Testament prophet spoke about the darkness of hopelessness, fear and
oppression.
Generations
later, a man born in Bethlehem spoke these words: “I am the world’s Light. No
one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light
to live in…For as long as I am in the world, there is plenty of light. I am the
world’s Light.”
Good
news is hard to come by these days. There is a darkness that wants to prevail
in the land of the living. Day after day news of disaster, moral failure,
betrayal of trust and yes even death threatens to extinguish the light of hope
and Life. Where can one turn to bask in the warmth of light?
That
Old Testament voice continues to speak to us down through time breaking the
stronghold of darkness. “For a child has been born for us! The gift of a son
for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His name will be Amazing
Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling
authority will grow and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.”
As
a child in Sunday school, we sang This Little Light of Mine. The closing verse
says it all: “Out in the dark I’m going to let it shine. Oh, out in the dark
I’m going to let it shine. Hallelujah! Out in the dark I’m going to let it
shine, let it shine, let it shine.”
SHINE
JESUS SHINE!
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