Deep darkness and light

At least now dark November is gone, December seems a bit lighter and we’ve not had so much rain, thank goodness. So, I will shelve the idea of getting a boat (see my previous blog). Not much progress with my allotment, but I’m hopeful of a bright morning or two and time to get there soon. It’s time to think about putting up Christmas lights; they are popping up in gardens and windows, and the shops in the high streets are full on for Christmas. I was up in Covent Garden in early November and “Christmas” was in full swing, a bit early, but it was so cheerful and everyone was having a great time watching the street entertainments and enjoying the beautiful displays. 
 
The Bible talks about deep darkness. This is in one of my favourite readings for Christmas; we read it every year at school and it always made me sit up and listen:
 
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned (Isaiah 9:2)
 
It was only later that I discovered the context and the issues between the northern kingdom of Judah and the Assyrians, who had subjugated them, but this and the next verses are of praise and thanksgiving for what God had done, as well as a promise for the future. If I don’t hear this read at a Service then it doesn’t feel like Christmas to me! And yes, the drama of the following verses is very powerful; maybe that had something to do with it.
 
Matthew quotes this verse in chapter 4 of his Gospel, where he uses the phrase “on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” and follows it with “from that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” We cannot escape this shadow on our own, but Jesus is the light that dawned and brought hope and salvation, forgiveness of our sins if we repent and turn to him. We are so lucky to have such treasure in the Scriptures.
 
What is your favourite Christmas passage? Take a few moments to think and look at it again, and enjoy the richness of the word and what it has meant to you.
 
Lord God, thank you for your word made flesh in Jesus, the light in our darkness. May we see him afresh this Advent. Amen