A Clay Jar

Encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:12 NIV)

A Light Shining In the Darkness

Matthew 4:16

Published on:

Last Updated on:

The people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned

Isaiah 9:2, Matthew 4:16

The author of the gospel of Matthew used this passage from Isaiah to announce the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, but he just as easily could have used it to announce his birth. The nation of Israel was in a dark time, living under Roman rule. The voices of the prophets had ceased hundreds of years earlier. It seemed like God had abandoned them.

And then, a light blazed out into the darkness. God himself, in the form of a newborn infant, came to bring light into the world.

What was that light? The light was Jesus, and that light was life for all who would believe (John 1:1-14).

That light was announced to the shepherds by angels (Luke 2:8-12) and to the Magi by a star (Matt. 2:1-2).

John the Baptist proclaimed the coming of the light as he prepared Israel for their coming Messiah (John 1:22-28).

Jesus himself proclaimed the Kingdom of God and invited all who would to enter it.

His apostles proclaimed the gospel of Jesus, the light of the world, to all the Roman world. And through their writings, to us today.

This Christmas, celebrate the coming of that great light. Like the shepherds and Magi, come and worship him. And then, like the shepherds, tell everyone you meet about what you have experienced of the light. Let the light of Christ shine out into the darkness that is enveloping our world.

Additional Related Posts

If you have found value in this post, please consider sharing it with your friends.

Subscribe to A Clay Jar

If you have found value in this post, please consider subscribing to A Clay Jar so that you don't miss any other posts. 

Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

Leave a Comment