Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:2-5, Isaiah 60:1-5, John 1:9
Growing up, my sisters and I had a special “Christmas Sister Pact” that, if broken, brought merciless mocking upon the head of the offender (what are sisters for, after all). Each Christmas Eve, we climbed in the same bed and drifted restlessly to sleep. Whoever woke first had the all-important responsibility of waking the others so that we could creep down the stairs together—quite literally plodding step-by-step in the world’s slowest three-legged race—to take in the grandeur of plump stockings and the shiny treasure trove at the bottom of the Christmas tree. As most parents probably know, this trek wasn’t exactly happening at an hour post-sunrise; we rose long before the sun in those ripe early morning hours that really should be considered the dead of night.
Looking back now, what my little kid heart really craved from each Christmas morning wasn’t the pile of presents themselves; it was the moment when, after trudging and stumbling and stepping on toes in the dark, the colorful lights of the Christmas tree blazed in their holly jolly glory. The soul-cleansing breath of relief that, after the longest night of the year for any child, the light blazed on.
I don’t think I doubted Santa’s ability to follow through—even less so now that I know what was really going on, if you know what I mean! I think there was that splinter-sized sliver in my heart still stuck in the dark, guarding me from the potential pain of disappointment. And as an adult, I have to be honest and say I’m still working on digging that sliver of self-protection out.
We’ve walked through some dark days, friends. And no matter how many times I’ve stood at the pulpit of my own heart and preached, “Your light has come!” I can’t help but tuck the tiniest crumb of myself back in the shadows just on the off-chance God won’t come through this time.
But if there’s one thing that’s helped me embrace the light without fear of it fading, it’s this: All of these wonderfully poetic words in Scripture are all past-tense for us. They’ve already come to pass. The true Light, the One John said was coming into the world (John 1:9), has already dawned. Why, dear little heart, are you so afraid of something not happening when it has already come to pass! Jesus has already drowned out the darkness with his radiant, holy, brilliant light. Do I expectantly, impatiently, and achingly wait for the day I get to see what that truly means? You bet. But I’m not waiting to see if the Light will come to shine over those of us living in the land of darkness (Isaiah 9:2).
The Light has come, and I must have the faith to emerge from the shadows and feel its warmth shining on my face.
Written by Kayla De La Torre
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11 thoughts on "The Light Is Dawning"
Amen❤️
Light of the world , You stepped down into darkness …
So here I am to worship … here I am to say that You’re my God.
So thankful.
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MOLLY ANSON – praying for good results for your dad
LAUREN G – hope in the midst of circumstances ❤️
MERCY ❤️ thought provoking comment of truths yesterday
“Jesus has already drowned out the darkness with his radiant, holy, brilliant light.”
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The fact we are living in the “shadowlands” is because His light is shining.
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The tension of the “already-not yet” reality of Jesus’ reign is truly felt in this dark world. Lord may I shine all the more brightly for You.
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Ladies, praying for your requests as I read them through the day. I encourage you all to keep your face toward the Light.❤️
Como Jesús come
We’ve been waiting so long
For the day you return to heal every hurt and right every wrong.
This song is on repeat with this study!
Walk in the light! Thank you Jesus for your guiding light. Amen
Dark always gives way to light. Thank you Jesus for being the light that has come! WOW!
Isn’t this a great reminder this morning, Ladies!! “All of these wonderfully poetic words in Scripture are all past-tense for us.” The One True Light has come to offer us light in the darkness of this world and one day, when He comes again, He will be our One and Only source of Light!! That’s good news – Father help us share it with others stuck in this world’s darkness!
Amen.
Jesus, you are the Light of the World ✨ Amen
Praise report I think and hope… it is related to the waiting referenced yesterday. Our youngest’s GF wants to go to church on Christmas Eve. I wouldn’t necessarily say she was antagonistic toward Christianity, but she wasn’t embracing it and was negative about faith, etc. Easter was hard. She grew up Catholic but had wandered away after some things happened in the past. Please continue to pray that she returns. Thank you, sweet She’s!
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We keep praying that He pursues her relentlessly! He is, indeed!
Praying, Adrienne, that the GF’s soul would be drawn to the Lord and the Christmas Eve service touches her heart. I’ve seen God do amazing work in lives this year, He is still in the life changing, soul saving business.
Lord keep drawing GF to Your light and love.