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. Isa 9:2

I pray that you had a wonderful worship as you gathered with your local church on the Lord’s Day. The birth of the Christ Child is retold, and manger scenes are displayed throughout churches across this land and around the world during the Christmas season. Emphasis is placed upon many of the notable events that occurred at that occasion. The immaculate conception, the announcement to the shepherds, the angelic host, the appearance of the star, the virgin birth, the gifts of the wise men, and other events that came upon that silent night. Within the events of the immaculate birth is the message of God’s love to the world and His plan to save “the people that walked in darkness.” The birth of the Christ is a message of hope to “they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death.” Jesus is the “great light” and He offers hope and salvation to all “upon them hath the light shined.” He is the light who has shined in our hearts, to give light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Mary was the first to look upon the face of the Christ Child and the light of hope shined upon her so that “Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Lk 2:19). Dear friend, as the Christmas story is read and retold, allow the Spirit of God, that was active on that first Christmas, to shine upon your heart and bring “a great light” of hope into the darkness that surrounds us. Receive the message and be reminded of that the “Light of the world” (Jn 8:12) came that first Christmas to give “glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Lk 2 :14). The peace that pierced the darkness of the world and that the angels proclaimed is the “Prince of Peace” (Is 9:6) and He is “a great light” to all “people that walked in darkness.” My friend, sin darkens the hearts of men towards God and the shadow of death looms over every heart, yet don’t despair but receive the hope of God, for “unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given” that “all who believe in Him may not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn 3:16). Will you tell the story and share His message? The message of Christmas? Father, thank You for Your love and the light of hope and salvation that is through Your Son, Jesus. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.