Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 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.

What is the state of deep darkness like? Sadly, some in our world are experiencing this. I have not. But deep darkness is the reign of evil and wickedness at such a level that all around you is evil. I think of war-torn countries and children left without parents. I think of invaders who treat their captives like cattle. Random taking of life, sexual perversion and abuse, anger, malice, drug use to control others, etc. There are even countries who harvest organs from other people. This is tantamount to cannibalism!

When living in an environment of deep darkness, as I have heard from some of my hero friends, it is critical to have a hope in something other than those people and circumstances creating the deep darkness around you. The Bible tells us this hope can only be found to be truly lasting and dependable in the person of Jesus Christ.

He is the great light prophesied about here in Isaiah and throughout numerous other passages in the Old Testament. And he told us he was this light: “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬)

I have heard that this proclamation was made during the Festival of Lights, and there was a giant candelabra lit up at night for this festival that could be seen from many miles away. Some have speculated that Jesus likely made this statement standing next to this candelabra, as if to say, “You think this light is massive, well …”

Jesus is a light in very dark places, and his light in our hearts can never be extinguished. He is The Light of the World and The Light of my Life.

He will enlarge my life-impact, my family line, and my riches in glory. Much joy he brings to my life.

Lord Jesus, you are the promised Light of the World! Thank you for shining your light on me and saving me. I am your instrument and desire to reflect your light to all around me.