The horrific massacre of twenty children last week and the heart-wrenching grief that has overcome a town and nation reveal the stark reality of the darkness that surrounds us. Though our hearts will remain heavy during this Christmas season, and we will not forget to pray for these grieving families, this episode of darkness only makes us realize more clearly the greatness of the reality we celebrate. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…”
The ninth chapter of Isaiah, which prophesies the birth of Jesus, begins, “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who are in distress.” Gloom probably describes the emotion overpowering so many Connecticut families as they consider what life will be like in the days ahead without their loved one.
Gloom describes my emotions, when I consider the years ahead for our nation. I cannot deny the evidence that our culture is increasingly rejecting the light and embracing spiritual darkness.
Our surrender to secularism is shoving biblical values out the door and into the trash bin. The biblical definition of marriage is no longer fair to homosexuals. One of the staples of Christmas TV viewing is now Victoria’s Secret Special. Spending money we don’t have has become the American way of life, selfishly leaving future generations to pay the bills. And the killing of the unborn continues unabated, more widely promoted in America than it has ever been.
In my life-time, I have rarely felt so intensely that the darkness is winning. As 2012 turns into 2013 there is more than enough gloom to go around. Will the economy turn downwards into another recession? Will Syria’s president Assad use chemical weapons on his own people? Will Israel attack Iran to destroy its nuclear capacity provoking a war in the Middle East?
But the darkness is not just “out there.” I know a 30-year marriage of two believers that is coming apart. Christian men’s secret use of porn is paralyzing their spiritual leadership. Young men and women raised in Christian homes are choosing the world’s darkness instead of the Light of the World and the world’s hold on their hearts seems impossible to break.
In my own life, I see persistent unbelief, ungodly attitudes that refuse to change and appetites that refuse to be reigned by surrender to Christ. I see a troubling love of comfort and lack of concern for those who don’t know Christ.
Darkness is everywhere. Blackness, pain, grief, despair, sin, gloom.
But,The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined… For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be uponhis 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. (Is 9:2,6,7)
Into the darkness of sin, suffering, despair, death the Light has come.
God, himself, has entered our world and begun the process of FIXING EVERYTHING IN HIS CREATION THAT IS BROKEN. Broken hearts, broken minds, broken elementary schools, broken bodies, broken marriages, broken governments, broken economies, broken homes, broken dreams, broken promises, broken lives.
The Christmas story is that the end of darkness has begun. Our Redeemer King has not only come into the world to save us from our sins, but to restore the creation in which we can enjoy our new life with him forever. He has come to restore “shalom,” i.e. the well-being of every atom of the universe. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.
Rarely, have I needed more to remember that the end of the reign of darkness has begun. That is what the babe born in a manger means.
May this truth enrich the days of your holiday season!
