‘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.’ Isaiah 9:2

Advent is the season of actively watching and waiting for the coming of the Lord! This Advent, we have chosen the theme of ‘Longing for the Light’ as we watch for the Light of God to shine in the darkness that surrounds us in the Holy Land and many other parts of the world.

Isaiah describes our condition well as we approach another Advent. We are living in a time of deep darkness in the world because of wars, conflict, famine, natural disasters, social and economic injustice, and oppression. Hate speech and resentment appear to have replaced mutual respect and human decency in public communication and social media postings, and the dethronement of truth now means that justice is turned back. Righteousness stands far off, as Isaiah so vividly describes the situation in his own day – see Isaiah 59.

Thankfully, the season of Advent invites us to a more hopeful reality as we anticipate the light that shines in the darkness. This is the light of Christ that we joyfully celebrate, which has come into the world and lights the path of every person. This is the message that Isaiah joyfully announces in his wonderful prophecy about the birth of Christ.

‘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: 6-7.

Prayer:

Loving God,

At the start of this Advent season, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, who came to shine the light of Your grace and truth into the darkness of our sin and sorrow. Fill our hearts with joy and peace as we wait with hope for his coming both as the babe of Bethlehem and the coming King of Glory this Advent season! We long for his light to shine upon us and for his kingdom of peace with justice and righteousness to come into our region and throughout the world. In the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we pray, Amen.