LET JESUS BRING YOU FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
I. Hope Foretold: A Great Light Will Shine
The prophecy in Isaiah 9 was written during a time of severe political instability and spiritual decline in 8th-century BC Israel. The people were living in darkness, a biblical image often associated with sin, wickedness, sorrow, destruction, and death. Israel faced the threat of invasion from powerful foreign empires, particularly Assyria, and at the same time suffered from spiritual darkness because the people had turned away from Yahweh and lived independently of God.
Despite this bleak reality, Isaiah proclaims a message of hope. He declares that the darkness will not last forever and that a “great light” will shine. The passage speaks specifically of the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, areas that had experienced humiliation and suffering. Although God had allowed these regions to fall under Assyrian control, Isaiah foretells that they would one day be made glorious again.
A key word in this passage is “Nevertheless” (or “But”), which signals a turning point from judgment to hope. Even in the midst of despair, God promises restoration. This prophecy points forward to the coming of the Messiah, who would bring light not only to Israel but also to the Gentiles. Eight centuries later, this promise was fulfilled when Jesus began His ministry in Galilee, the very region Isaiah described.
II. Hope Fulfilled: A Great Light Has Dawned
The Gospel of Matthew 4:12–16 directly connects Jesus’ ministry in Galilee to Isaiah’s prophecy, confirming that Jesus is the promised Light. Just as in Isaiah’s time, the people during Jesus’ earthly ministry were living in darkness—politically oppressed, spiritually lost, and burdened by sin. This condition continues to describe humanity today.
Spiritual darkness entered the world through the fall of humanity, when Adam and Eve turned away from God. Since then, sin has affected every aspect of human life and relationships. Humanity cannot create its own light or rescue itself from darkness. The prophecy emphasizes that the people did not produce the light; they simply saw it. The light “dawned” upon them, showing that salvation is entirely God’s initiative—an unearned and undeserved gift of grace.
Isaiah’s prophecy also reveals key truths about the identity of the Messiah:
His humanity: “A child will be born to us” affirms that Jesus truly became human. He experienced life as we do—joy, pain, sorrow, and suffering. On the cross, He bore the weight of humanity’s sin.
His deity: “A son will be given to us” indicates that Jesus existed before His birth. He is the eternal Son of God, given by the Father for the salvation of the world.
His future reign: “The government will rest on His shoulders” points to a future reality when Christ will reign over all the nations as King. This looks ahead to a literal, global kingdom in which Jesus rules with perfect justice and authority.
This hope moves from prophecy to reality in the New Testament. In Luke 1:31–33, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will give birth to Jesus, who will reign forever on the throne of David. At this moment, Isaiah’s ancient promise begins its fulfillment. The long-awaited Light has entered the world.
However, while Christ’s coming brings hope to all, this hope becomes effective in a person’s life only through repentance, surrender, and faith.
III. Hope Realized: From Darkness to Light Through Faith in Jesus
The hope foretold by Isaiah and fulfilled in Jesus is realized personally through faith. It cannot be inherited from family or borrowed from others; each individual must respond to Jesus personally.
Jesus Himself declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). To follow Jesus is to be transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:13–14 explains that God delivers believers from the domain of darkness and brings them into the kingdom of His beloved Son, where redemption and forgiveness of sins are found.
The kingdom of darkness represents sin, bondage, ignorance, and separation from God. In contrast, the kingdom of Christ is characterized by life, truth, righteousness, freedom, and restored fellowship with God. This transfer from darkness to light is made possible through Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross, where He took upon Himself the sins of humanity.
Like the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus, every person must make a choice—to believe in Him or to reject Him. Salvation is promised to those who confess Jesus as Lord and believe in His resurrection (Romans 10:9). Jesus not only died for sin but rose from the dead, proving that death has no power over Him. As the eternal Son of God and the author of life, He is the believer’s living hope.
For those who already follow Christ, the message is also a call to action. Believers are encouraged to share this hope with others—family, friends, coworkers, and classmates—because faith comes through hearing the gospel (Romans 10:17). Throughout the Gospels, Jesus invites people to come and see, to listen and understand, and to go and tell.
Ultimately, hope has a name—Jesus. This hope was foretold in prophecy, fulfilled in Christ’s coming, and is realized through faith in Him alone. The greatest gift believers can offer the world is this eternal hope found in Jesus Christ.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
How have you experienced being brought from darkness to light by Jesus?
How has Jesus been any of these in your life: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace?
What will you do to let people know about Jesus, the Light of the world?
PRAY CARE SHARE IN ACTION
Pray for the light of Christ to shine brightly this season in the lives of your loved ones through your witness. Share the gospel to everyone you have the opportunity to do so as we celebrate the birth of Christ this holiday season. Let them know about the true Light of Christmas—Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.