Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7

The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.

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.

The people were walking in darkness, but Isaiah gives a prophecy that gives them hope for a peaceful future. That one will come and the weight of the world will be upon his shoulders and his kingdom will uphold justice and righteousness. A light was coming in the midst of their darkness.

God’s presence is associated with light throughout scripture. During advent we light candles to represent Peace, Love, Hope and Joy. This week we focus on Peace. The people in this scripture did not have peace because they were turning away from God and trying to deal with the war they were facing on their own. They were walking in darkness when Isaiah gives them a light that they can follow.

Today, many times we are walking in darkness, trying to take care of whatever “war” we are facing on our own. Sometimes I find myself trying to fix things on my own rather than asking God for help. Perhaps it is my need to control things or other times my feeling of unworthyness, God is busy and doesn’t have time for me. So many of us, have a tendency to run to friends or family first instead of God and only turning toward God when we are desperate. Many times when we do this, without realizing it, we have stumbled into the darkness. Living life without God. But when we do this we eventually realize there is no light in our life. Things can begin to feel empty and we have a feeling something is missing.

Advent is a time when we allow God to help us come out of our own darkness and into His light. Allowing the God that is with us, that loves us unconditionally, the God that sees us as His own child, to draw us out of the darkness, the chaos and brokenness in our life where we can find peace. The peace that Mary had when she gave birth to a baby in a stable.

This week, create a space where you can sit with God alone, and light a candle and ask for His help to bring you into His light, to give you peace that surpasses all understanding. A heavenly peace that only comes from God. As you sit with this peace, sing the first verse of Silent Night and reflect upon the words knowing that this peace can only come from our Heavenly Father.

Silent Night, Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright, round young virgin mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.