“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
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Many coaches and athletes light up a room with a sparkling smile, ready sense of humor and inspiring words. We all need the light of hope whether we are on the field or watching in the bleachers or at home. Around Christmastime, we see more lights inside, outside and everywhere. Homes and yards are lit up throughout the night. City streets are lined with bright lights and decorations. The lights represent hope and happiness during the holidays. These lights provide a warm glow of love for others.
Yet, as we think about lights, one light shines brighter than any other. He offers hope to a hurting world.
Long ago, God showed the prophet Isaiah how a little baby brightened up a barn on one holy night. Isaiah wrote some 700 years before Christ was born, and he described how light pushes away the darkness of despair and replaces hopelessness with the shining light of hope that is everlasting through Jesus Christ to all generations. “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).
On another occasion, God showed Balaam in ancient times that a star would send a message to the world about a baby who is like no other. This baby shines with a holy light to bring forgiveness and eternal life to people all over the world. “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel…” (Numbers 24:17). When the wise men later saw the star shining over Bethlehem, the Scripture was fulfilled. Everything happened as God said it would.
The wise men put aside their busy schedules and worshipped at the feet of Jesus. “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:10-11).
These wise men teach us to sometimes put aside everything and bow before our dear Savior — not just at Christmastime, but all year long.
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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