Today we start a new set of readings leading to Christmas with an Advent theme, looking mainly at Old Testament readings pointing to the coming of the Messiah and our response to him.
Reading: Isaiah 9:2
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned…
Thought for Reflection:
As all who have been scared walking home at night or have jumped at shadows know, the dark is a scary thing; the fear of unknown, the fear of nightmares, the fear of things outside our control. In the dark you can be surrounded by others and yet feel totally alone. Such darkness can be literal, but also symbolic – trials and troubles of all kinds are dark places. In Isaiah’s time, the Northern Kingdom of Israel was going through a dark time, they had been defeated by Assyria and many slain or exiled. For those left behind, it must have seemed as if all was over. But in this deep darkness a promise was voiced, the promise of light, the promise of a child to come.
Prayer:
What darkness are you aware of, in your life or the life of others. Pray for the light of Christ to shine in those areas bringing hope and joy.
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