Light in a Long Night
The First Sunday of Advent. Today the season of Advent begins: four Sundays in which we prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth. Each Sunday has a verse, a short devotional and a prayer, plus a reading to carry you through your week.
If you live where you cannot celebrate openly, this season is for you too. Advent needs no decorations and no gathering: a few quiet minutes with God's Word are enough. If your device is shared or might be searched, read Your Safety First before anything else.
“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.”
This week's reading: Isaiah 9:1–7.
Reflection
Anyone who has lived through long nights without electricity knows what waiting means. The lights go out in the house, and every sound seems louder and every hour longer. Then the first light of dawn slowly appears over the mountains, and your heart settles before the sun has fully risen.
The prophet Isaiah wrote to a people living in a different kind of darkness: fear, hardship and hearts that had drifted away from God. He did not promise them that the night would end tomorrow. He announced that a great light was coming. Then he revealed who this light is: “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.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Centuries later, Jesus Christ was born. He said of himself that he is the light of the world, and that whoever follows him will not walk in darkness (see John 8:12).
Advent is a season of honest waiting. We do not pretend that everything is fine. We admit the darkness around us and within us, and we lift our eyes to the light God has sent. Our hope is not optimism that things are bound to get better. It is trust that God kept his promise when he sent his Son, and that he is faithful in everything he has promised.
A question to reflect on
What darkness are you carrying today that you need to bring to God just as it is?
This week's step
Read Isaiah 9:1–7 every evening this week, even if only quietly, and choose one phrase to carry with you through your day.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you see the night I am living through, and you know what I cannot put into words. Thank you that you did not leave us in the darkness, but sent your Son Jesus as the light of the world. Shine in my heart this season, and teach me to wait for you with patience and hope. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Next Step
Next Sunday, 6 December: the second Advent devotional, “Prepare the Way”.
And if you would like us to pray for you this season, send us a prayer request. A pseudonym is enough.
Scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version (ESV).