The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. –Isaiah 9:2-7
I was up before dawn that morning in 1993. I was living in Wisconsin, serving the first congregation I ever did in Mayville. You may heard: Wisconsin is cold.
Sometimes, it gets so cold so quickly that ice freezes in unusual places and shapes and quantities.
That morning when I was up before the sunlight, my car wouldn’t start. It was just too cold. -20 Fahrenheit.
As I tinkered with my black 1982 Volkswagon Jetta (a car I don’t endorse), the sun began to rise over the steep hill that was across the river from my car.
The most extraordinary sight began to twinkle and come to life before my eyes–the orangish, redish, yellowish hues began to light all the ice on the branches and cars and houses everywhere it touched.
My cold world suddenly was transformed in the glitter and excess of the light nature’s sun!
Today, as we approach Christmas Day and hear once again these familiar promises–we light candles, trees, houses in all kinds of light to remind us that those sitting in darkness have seen a great light dawn that makes all to shine in incomparably splendid glory.
Father of Light–help us see today with more clarity the Son given to us who is the hope of a final peace and a light that turns all that was black to radiant color. AMEN.
