Talk Together
Family conversations with God’s Word.
Have you ever been in complete darkness? Maybe the power went out in your house or you were outside late at night. Were you scared? What did you do?
Darkness can be pretty scary. It’s hard to make out the shadows from the shapes around you. It can be confusing and difficult to figure out where you are. You have to move slowly so you don’t bump into things or fall.
But what happens when you turn on a light? Yes! You can see everything around you in brilliant color, and the scary shadows are gone! The world around you is less confusing; and as long as you don’t need glasses, things are crystal clear!
When we live in God’s light, we are able to better understand God’s Word and hear His voice. When we live in spiritual darkness, we ignore God and don’t follow His laws. We live the way we want and forget about the Lord who loves us so much.
Sometimes God’s people, the Israelites, walked in the light. They followed God and obeyed His commands. But other times they walked in darkness. Instead of walking in the light and asking God for wisdom, they stumbled in the dark. They asked idols for help. They followed other people’s ways instead of following God’s ways. They were lost and without hope.
Even though the Israelites were in darkness and far from God, He used a prophet named Isaiah to give them a special message. Can you help me find Isaiah chapter 9, verses 2 and 6-7?
ESV
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. … For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
The nation of Israel was facing some pretty scary things, but a special Light was coming. This Light would be so bright it would overcome darkness and defeat sin. When this Light arrived the people would rejoice! This Light would bring righteousness and peace that never ends. The Light of the World was coming.