The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. Isaiah 9:2 (ESV)
From the very moment Adam and Eve rebelled in the garden, God began writing a story of restoration for His people. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites succumbed more than once to doubt and sin as they waited for the promised Redeemer. One can only imagine what it was like during the 400 years of silence between the Old Testament and the start of Jesus' ministry. God's people must have fought disillusionment even as they clung tightly to the words of the prophets. In those days, they hoped, prayed, and waited for a Messiah they could not picture.
Today, we know who the Messiah is. We need only open our Bibles to know Jesus' story, from birth to death to the resurrection. But even now, we find ourselves in seasons of hoping, praying, and waiting.We wait for deliverance, for healing, for purpose, and for the many other goods that come from God's restorative work. The words of a familiar carol still ring true: O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
Whatever you are longing for as we enter this Advent season, take some time to reflect on God's faithfulness throughout human history. As you prepare your heart and mind to celebrate the true significance of Christmas, be encouraged and remember that even in seasons of silence, God is bringing light to pierce the darkness.