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Hear the devotional: https://anchor.fm/eradio-valverde/episodes/Light-Defeats-Darkness-e1shnfh
View the devotional: https://www.tiktok.com/@eradiovalverde/video/7179469468370816299?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en
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. (Isaiah 9:2-7 NIV)
Some years ago, Nellie and I accompanied our two daughters, our son-in-law, and our granddaughter, on our first ocean cruise. Our second stop was on an island to which we had never been. The family chose a beach day and Nellie and I thought sight-seeing on our own might be fun, with shopping as an option. One turn led to another, and before too long we were walking on a street that could have easily passed for an alley in the States. There were few people on this street and overhead clouds made the situation quite dark. A man came up and welcomed us to this island and placed on my wrist a bracelet that would be mine for five dollars. I thanked him and quickly handed it back. Nellie and I both sensed each other's discomfort and we quickly made our way to a more regular street where a cab driver stopped and we asked to be taken to our ship. The cabbie introduced himself as a Rastafarian and said he knew I was a pastor. What? He only asked that I pray for him.
We walked in darkness because of the choices we, or better said, I, made. I could not blame anyone else, yet there I was, with my wife, in darkness. The silent prayers we lifted were answered with a cab driver that knew I was a pastor and needed to be led into the light. And let me tell you, if you have a choice between being in the dark or being in the light, the light is much better. The people of God had wandered off (Yes, again and again!) from a life in the fullness of life with God into their own world of pleasing themselves and doing whatever it is they want; soon finding themselves fully alienated from God. That is darkness. Those who find themselves as permanent residents of deep darkness want to see a great light dawn on them. A land of darkness knows no joy; the light comes with joy that is shared with all who were in darkness. They have now gone from a land of no rejoicing into a land of much rejoicing. The yokes of oppression have been lifted, and the greatest news is shared: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 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 zest of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."
The good news of light and freedom are followed by the greater news of the long awaited Messiah, the Son of God. The prophet shares all that God has shared with him. Advent fulfilled are what the prophet has shared with the people in verses 6 and 7. The prophecy is fulfilled in the birth of a baby, a son. And this child will receive the authority and power of a government upon His shoulders. His titles define His roles. We have in Jesus a counselor who is wonderful. Not only is He a counselor who listens, He is one who totally understand and who can and does respond with solutions for what ails us. He is also Mighty God. As Son of God, and as part of the Godhead, He is God, and as one who was present in creation, we know that His power is mighty. As part of the Godhead, He is also Father, Who watches over and guides and protects His children; desiring to keep us in the light and away from the darkness. He is our Prince of Peace; Who desires us to be free from conflict and the stress of life, and desires us to know that true peace is not the absence of war, but the true presence of peace which is love, compassion, kindness and righteousness that defines our character and our way of life. This is what God provides and it is limitless and will last for all eternity. We begin now to seek and live that in ways that can bring others to the same awareness of what God can and do for us.
PRAYER: Loving God, Thy kingdom come. Let it begin with me and let me be a part of making it real to all; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Be a person of peace now with all people.
Receive my blessings of love and hope,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
