Light in the Darkness
As we journey through Advent toward Christmas, we’re reminded of the significance of light piercing darkness. Matthew 4:12-17 captures this truth beautifully, quoting Isaiah’s prophecy about a great light dawning in a land overshadowed by despair.
This metaphor resonates with the condition of our world today. Just as physical SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) occurs due to diminished sunlight, leading to fatigue, irritability, and hopelessness, spiritual darkness brings ignorance, sin, and despair. Yet, Christmas offers “light therapy” for this ailment—a reminder of Christ, the Light of the World, who stepped into the profound darkness of human existence.
In Matthew’s time, Israel was steeped in darkness. Politically, the Roman occupation brought oppression; economically, people were crushed under exorbitant taxes. Morally and spiritually, the world was barren, yearning for hope and deliverance.
Into this bleak setting, Jesus brought light, not by military might or political reform but through truth. He began His ministry not in Jerusalem’s religious hub but in Galilee—a cosmopolitan region despised for its mix of Jews and Gentiles. This was no accident. Christ’s presence there symbolised that His light was for all people, even the most marginalised.
Today, the world remains shadowed by darkness—violence, corruption, and spiritual apathy. But the promise of Christmas remains: light has come, and it still shines. Revelation 21 reminds us that this light will one day fully conquer darkness when Christ reigns eternally.
Until then, we are called to reflect His light, sharing the hope of Christmas. Just as Jesus proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” we too can shine His truth into the world, bringing light to every shadowed corner – especially at Christmastime.