Matthew 4:16 (NIV)
the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.”
Don’t skip over the first half of each sentence.
“living in darkness…”
“living in the land of the shadow of death…”
There, tucked into the promise of the Savior’s light is a truth to hold onto. It is easy to miss because it doesn’t shout like Black Friday or unashamedly tug at your heart strings like a Christmas movie. It doesn’t ring like Jingle Bells, or overwhelm with awe like a perfectly orchestrated Christmas light display.
It simply holds out a brave, gentle hope, like a candle’s flame in a darkened room.
“Here,” it says, “for all of you feel like the darkness has taken up permanent residence in your life, this is for you. For those of you who feel like the cold shadow of death has become a constant companion, the hope of resurrection has moved into the neighborhood.”
Emmanuel has come to walk alongside you, to love you right in the middle of it all.
It is for you, dear child, that he has sent the light.
