One of my favorite things about this time of year is the lights. Watching them dance and flicker against the canvas of night brings a smile to my face. They are a fitting representation of why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. When Jesus was born, the Light broke through!
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine…For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:2 & 6 NLT
Many generations had passed since the prophet Isaiah had spoken these words to God’s people. In fact, the people of God hadn’t heard from a prophet for over 400 years, and they had settled into a groove. Some were so focused on the laws and customs that they neglected a personal relationship with God. Others had blended in with the culture around them. In both cases, spiritual darkness had enveloped them. The words of Isaiah generations earlier were a distant memory and many had lost hope in ever seeing them come to pass.
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Listen carefully, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and she will call His name Immanuel (God with us). – Isaiah 7:14 AMP
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from old, from ancient days…And He shall be their peace. – Micah 5:2 & 5 ESV
But these words echoed through history to a faithful few who still eagerly awaited their fulfillment. After all, God always preserves a remnant for His purposes. We meet some of these people in the story of Jesus’ birth, and we learn valuable lessons from their response to the arrival of the Light of the world.
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:10 ESV
The lowly shepherds
These humble men were minding their business, tending their flock in the region of Bethlehem. The Bible doesn’t say much about them, but I wonder if they were hoping for the prophecies of the Messiah to come to pass. After all, they were doing life in the very place the promised King was going to be born. Maybe God sent the angelic announcement to them because they were waiting for it. The special birth announcement interrupted their life in an unforgettable way much the way the gospel message does today. They were not unmoved! They hurried to see Jesus, then spread the news and glorified and praised God. This should be our response to the Gospel today.
“I have seen your salvation which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and He is the glory of your people Israel.” – Luke 2:30-32 NLT
The righteous and devout Simeon
The Bible tells us Simeon was a Spirit-filled, righteous, and devout follower of God. He had not given up on God’s promise. He was hopefully and eagerly awaiting the coming of the Messiah. When Joseph and Mary showed up at the temple to dedicate baby Jesus, Simeon knew right away who He was, and he rejoiced. God always keeps His promises, and He promises that one day Jesus will return. Are those of us who follow Him eagerly awaiting His second coming as Simeon had done for His first?
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 ESV
The elderly widow and prophetess, Anna
Anna was a devoted woman of God. A widow who had dedicated her life to worshipping, fasting, and praying. She joined Simeon in rejoicing over the baby Jesus, then she told everyone who would listen about His arrival. When Anna suffered loss, she didn’t waver in her faith. She dedicated her life to God and was right where she needed to be when her Savior finally came. Whatever life may bring, steadfast devotion to God and unwavering trust in His timing gives us hope as we wait on Him to act.
Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you…Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act. – Psalm 37:4-5, 7 NLT
All these people were right where they needed to be when God showed up. They had been living with hopeful expectancy and they rejoiced when the Light finally broke through the darkness. This is the hope of Christmas! A hope we can celebrate every single day of the year.
Jesus is the light of the world, and He is still breaking through darkness today! Whatever shadows may exist in your life, the light of Jesus will overcome them.
