“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)
In the Bible, there is a constant metaphor of light and dark. Darkness represents evil, oppression and calamity. In contrast, light represents good, deliverance and victory. Isaiah writes this prophecy to a nation of people who would experience the devastation of an invasion, as Assyria would conquer the Northern Kingdom, Israel in 722 BC. You should remember that this kingdom included the tribes of Zebulun and Napthali. This was an extremely dark time for the northern tribes of Israel.
When we move forward to the time of Christ, Matthew quotes Isaiah 9:1-2 in reference to the fulfillment of this Messianic prophecy (Matthew 4:15-16). The lands of Zebulun and Napthali were located in the area that would be Galilee in Jesus’ day. This land that saw some of the darkest days in the nation’s history was the first to see the light of the Messiah, Christ’s earthly ministry. Those who “walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
The message to us is this. Christ is the true light of the world (John 8:12). The darkness cannot withstand the light, for wherever there is light, there can be no darkness. As Jesus had illuminated the places to which He journeyed and resided in His earthly ministry, He has radiated His light upon us who have believed in Him. Moreover, He dwells in the heart of every true believer so that the light of Christ dwells in us. Where there is light, there can be no darkness and in every true believer’s heart is the light of Christ. He is in our hearts continuously scattering the darkness of the old nature, the flesh.
What is the Lord’s purpose in this? First, since the light of Christ is in us, we are to walk in this light (1 John 1:7). Second, we are to shine forth this glorious light in the midst of a spiritually dark world. Jesus stated,
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
When people see the results of the light of Christ in you, they see the works wrought by Christ in you. This brings glory to the Father and this brings the light of Christ to others.
Renewing the Heart 