Advent Trail December 3rd - Isaiah 9:2

The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2)

This is another of the great prophecies of Isaiah which clearly points to the coming of the Messiah. It was written at a time when northern parts of the country (Zebulun, Naphtali, Galilee are specified in the previous verse) had been invaded, causing intense gloom and distress. Isaiah foresaw that not only would the situation be reversed in the north but that “great light” would come to the whole nation.

Jesus grew up in the region of Galilee and it was there that he began his work. “He lived in Caperneum which was by the lake in the area of Zebulon and Naphtali” and this was seen by Matthew as a direct fulfilment of the prophecy from Isaiah 9:1-2 which he then quotes in full (Matt.4:13-16). So, from the outset of his ministry, Jesus is identified as the Messiah promised in the Old Testament, the one who would bring light into our darkness.

We’ve already seen the same point made in the opening verses of John’s gospel. Jesus is “the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5). His light shines not only in Galilee – he is “the light of the world”. And his promise to all who follow him is “they will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).