Light Day 20: Isaiah 9:1-7

Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.
For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light – and this light is Jesus Christ Himself! When His Light shines to us, it brings the following blessings along with it:

• Joy. In the light of His presence, we know true joy for the first time. “In thy presence is fullness of joy.”
• Freedom. The yoke, rod, and staff of the oppressor are broken at the presence of the Almighty God and the light that His rule and reign brings to our lives.
• Victory. Our God is a consuming fire, and that fire consumes His enemies.
• A new authority. We have a child born to govern – Jesus Christ who is set as ruler of all! We are, for the first time, free to serve God instead of serving the devil and ourselves.
• A Counselor. Any time we need wisdom, we can ask directly of God through Jesus Christ – He gives to all people liberally. Jesus Christ is made unto us wisdom! Truly light brings wisdom.
• Security. He is our Mighty God and Everlasting Father – the light of His presence brings the security of being in the fullness of who He is.
• Peace. Have you ever felt fear while in the dark? It’s easier to be overtaken by fear in the dark because we cannot see what’s out there or what’s coming; we have less control. In the light of Jesus Christ, peace reigns in our hearts because He is in control, and His light shows us everything we need to know when we need to know it.
• His ordered, established, eternal kingdom. The kingdom of light has come to earth, and we are its citizens! Abide in His kingdom and never know darkness.

“The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Praise God for His light and the blessings that accompany it!