Isaiah 9:2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
As I read Isaiah 9, verse 2 captures my attention this Christmas season. Some of us are making preparations to celebrate Christmas, like putting up a Christmas tree, hanging lights and decorations, attending parties and festive gatherings, and shopping for gifts. However, there are other people who are grieving and struggling to find joy. The Christmas season can feel dark and lonely to many people, for many different reasons.
I think of my dear friend, Wendy, who suddenly lost her husband, Gus, in November due to a sudden heart attack. Wendy and her 17 year old son are deeply grieving the loss of their husband and father as they experience their first Christmas without him. Gus was a man who loved Jesus and lived to serve God by doing good deeds for others. He was a self-employed carpenter (ironic, I know) who never turned a profit because he only charged his customers for exact amount of the materials he used and the bare minimum for his time. He would drop everything to go help an elderly woman with her septic system, or fix a leaky faucet, or gift a single mother of 3 with a car (seriously!), or adopt a dog that you could no l longer care for. His acts of kindness and generosity were limitless and always in the name of Jesus.
As you might expect, Gus loved celebrating Christmas! He exuded joy and he always wore a Santa hat during December. He would even carry extra Santa hats to give to people. In fact, I just dug into my winter hat and glove bin the other day and there at the top of the bin were several Santa hats that Gus had given to me a few years earlier. The memory is bittersweet, but it makes me smile.
Isaiah 9 fills me with hope as I think about the birth of Jesus and what His life and death means for His believers. But during this time of darkness for my friend Wendy, her son, and all the people who loved Gus, I lean into verse 2 for comfort that our Lord is with us even in times of pain and sorrow. Our Lord and Savior is the Light of the World, a light that we can cling to for comfort. Even when our hope is diminished, Jesus renews our hope and leads us through the darkness when we seek Him.
Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to live and die for us. Thank you, Jesus, for being our hope and our light when our days get dark and our burdens are heavy. Thank you for loving us and always meeting us exactly where we are in our joys or struggles. As we approach this holiday season, bring peace to our hearts and let us find comfort and healing in your joyous light. And thank you, Lord, for the life of Gus. There is no doubt in my mind that he is walking with you in Heaven wearing his Santa hat. Maybe he even has you wearing one, too? In your holy name, we pray. Amen!