Walking in Darkness by Andrew Riley

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.

Isaiah 9:2

I have been to many Christmas Eve services, and I always love the time when the lights go out, candles are lit across the sanctuary, and a capella voices sing “Silent Night.” As peaceful and inspiring as these memories are, the context of Isaiah’s message is far from the safety of a sanctuary with friends and family. It is some of the deepest darkness imaginable.

Israel is living under the threat of King Sennacherib of Assyria, who had an earned reputation of ruthless cruelty toward those who opposed him. The Northern Kingdom of Israel had spent countless years ignoring God’s prophets and following idols. It was the darkest of times: the people were far from God, and God seemed far from his people. These are the people who were “walking in darkness.” There was no hope. King Sennacherib and his invading armies were particularly horrifying and brutal. But, the day after Christmas is not really a time to remember the extensive maiming and viciousness of oppressive dictators, or is it?

Jesus was also born into a dark time. The Roman army had occupied Israel for generations. Herod was also a cruel and unpredictable king. Even now, there are people all over the world “walking in darkness,” whether it is disease, loneliness, natural disasters, and even war and oppression. But that’s precisely where God shows up. In Christmas, the Prince of Peace entered into our darkness to show his light. As John says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

This Christmas, while we light candles and sing songs of joy and peace, may we, like God, be unafraid to enter the dark places around us and shine his light.

ANDREW RILEY