Out of Darkness, A Great Light
Over the past two weeks, I have been drawn again and again to Isaiah 9:2-7. The image is so vivid—a people walking in darkness who see a great light, a light that brings joy, freedom, and peace. This light is the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, who breaks through the darkness of our world and our lives.
This promise of light breaking through darkness is echoed in the reflections of John Wesley, who often spoke of the transforming power of Christ’s presence. In one of his sermons, he captured the profound hope Christ brings, saying, “The best of all is, God is with us.” For Wesley, this presence was not distant or theoretical—it was deeply personal and immediate, offering strength and guidance in all seasons of life. Wesley knew that Christ meets us where we are, as a light in our darkness, and walks with us as a constant source of hope.
Isaiah gives us several titles for the Messiah, and I wonder: Which of these speaks to your heart today?
Do you need a Wonderful Counselor, whose wisdom can light your way in the face of challenges at work, in your family, or in your personal decisions? How might you ask Christ for this guidance in your prayers?
Do you need the strength of a Mighty God, one who can carry you through times of illness, uncertainty, or fear? How might you pray for this strength to fill you?
Do you long for the steadfast love of an Everlasting Father, one who assures you of God’s constant presence and deep care for you? How can you bring that longing into your prayer life?
Do you need the peace of the Prince of Peace, a peace that calms your troubled heart, restores broken relationships, or brings hope to your community? How might you ask Christ to bring this peace into your life and the world around you?
Reflecting on these titles, I am struck by how personal they are. Christ meets us right where we are, offering exactly what we need. For me, I find myself seeking peace—peace that soothes my soul and spills over into my relationships and work.
Last Sunday, when I got up at 5 a.m., it was still dark. But as I walked into the living room to review my sermon, I was greeted by the lights of our Christmas tree. The soft glow broke through the cold, dark morning, filling the space with warmth and joy. That moment reminded me of Christ as the light shining into my own moments of worry, assuring me that even in the shadows, hope is alive.
Just as the Christmas tree’s lights broke through the darkness, Christ’s light breaks into the darkest corners of our lives, reminding us of the hope that is always present. Wesley would remind us that this hope is not passive but active—a call to trust that the One who has come is still with us, empowering us to live as agents of that light in the world.
How might you bring His light to others? By reaching out to someone in need, offering forgiveness, or sharing a kind word. We can be carriers of His light, trusting that God is with us. And Christ is all these things—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace—for you.
I will look forward to seeing you on Sunday! Don’t forget the Christmas Concert this Saturday night!
With Gratitude,
Rodney Whitfield
Senior Pastor
Aldersgate UMC