2010 Advent Devotional
St. Stephen United Methodist Church
Tuesday, December 14
Isaiah 9:2-7
2 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.
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light"
I saw the light, I saw the light; no more darkness, no more night ... These words from the old Gospel hymnpraise God for helping us see the light. When we "see the light," what do we see?

According to Isaiah, we see a vision of a world and of relationships as God intended them to be.

In the light, God's people are multiplied and joy is increased.

In the light, burdens are eased, sagging shoulders are lifted up and oppression is broken.

In the light, the accoutrements of war and bloodshed are taken away.

In the light, a son is born who claims the authority to make peace, to promote justice and to advance righteousness.

The light that shines and guides our way will be fueled by the zeal of the Lord.

This Advent, let our prayer be: 

Lord, let me see what you see.

Let your vision be my vision.
 
Light of Christ, shine in me.
AMEN
Rev. Tom Latimer

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