The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9:2–7
As we journey through Advent, the words of Isaiah 9:2 illuminate the path before us: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.”
These words resonate with a timeless hope that transcends the boundaries of ancient prophecy: they reach across the expanse of human experience. Perhaps you are in need of this light in your own life: a diagnosis uncertain, a relationship severed, a loss you never imagined. In the midst of such darkness, Isaiah’s vision invites us to pause and reflect on the profound truth that even in our darkest moments, a light pierces through to guide us with the promise of renewal and grace. This meets us in a variety of ways: through the smiles of strangers, the long-held prayer is answered, the promise of warm coffee in the morning, reconciliation after years of pain, or perhaps in the simple sunlight through an afternoon window.
In the quiet anticipation of Advent, we find solace in the recognition that this light — this arrival of a newborn King — is not distant. Rather, it’s a personal and intimate light that dispels the shadows of doubt, fear, and despair, revealing a way towards healing and transformation. As we await the celebration of Christ’s birth, let us open our hearts to the illumination of this divine light, allowing it to warmly permeate the cold realities this world might bring.
Erin Drews is resident director of Gilmore Hall and Hope Forward program coordinator at Hope College.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.