Isaiah prophesied generations before the coming of Christ, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2a) I invite you to meditate through this prophecy word by word seeking God’s invitation throughout. Imagine not only the meaning of this prophecy for the people of Israel but also for yourself, your family, and your country today. Pray through the meditations and return to them throughout the week.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
Who are the people walking in darkness? Why are they in darkness?
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
What is it like to walk in darkness? Imagine yourself in the pitch black of night groping for a light, stumbling over the obstacles that might be in your way.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
How does it feel to be in complete darkness? Darkness so complete that even your hand cannot be seen in front of your face. What darkness do you find yourself in the midst of during this season?
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
How does it feel to see something, especially after coming out of a darkness so complete that nothing can be seen? Coming into the light not only allows you to see but to also be seen. Imagine yourself coming into the light to been seen fully by a God who loves you as the Father loves the prodigal son.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
What does great mean in this context? Greatness here is so far beyond what we mean when we say we have had a great day, rather it is something expansive and full.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
How does the word light make you feel? What light does the Lord want to invite you to encounter during Advent and Christmas?
Image credit: Pregnancy Tree of Life Placenta Baby by @khadijahmenkbirks
In prayer, I was invited to recognize the extraordinary paradox which exists in the fact that the Lord, in the person of Jesus Christ, himself entered into the darkness of the world. More than that he first enters into the complete darkness of his mother’s womb at the moment of the Annunciation. Gabriel says to Mary, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus…the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” (Luke 1: 31, 35b)
Place yourself in the darkness of Mary’s womb with Jesus. Imagine this darkness. Listen to the sounds of the womb…the rush of fluid, the beat of Mary’s heart, the beat of your own heart and the beat of the heart of Christ. Imagine the feel of the womb…the warmth and closeness to Mary and Jesus. During the next four weeks, spend time with Jesus in Mary’s womb experiencing his closeness and being nourished in the waiting.