The people walking in darkness
    will see a great light.
Upon those dwelling in the land of the shadow of death,
    light will shine. Isaiah 9:1[2], TLV

Will See A Great Light.  Tucked into Isaiah 9 are two beautiful pericopes of Messianic prophecies, the rest are harsh words of judgment. But it is the last verse of this chapter that says it all:

Manasseh will devour Ephraim,
    and Ephraim, Manasseh,
    both are against Judah.
For all this His anger is not turned away,
    yet His hand is outstretched. (vs. 20, TLV, emphasis mine)

“… yet His hand is outstretched.” The Bible documents in joyful and shameful details, the honorable and dishonorable behaviors of the Jewish people and the nations. Yet GOD’s hand is outstretched, reaching for them in love. Offering salvation. Hope.

For to us a child is born,
    a son will be given to us,
and the government will be upon His shoulder.
His Name will be called
    Wonderful Counselor,
    Mighty God
    My Father of Eternity,
    Prince of Peace. (vs. 5, TLV)

We all have a choice, yes? When we walk in darkness, even the smallest pinprick of light is bright. We can turn away from the light or walk toward it until we are covered in its beauty. That’s our choice.

In our faith journey, these choices are before us everyday, all day — to stay in the light or sidestep into darkness. Let’s stay in the Light.