December 6, 2025 - A Light Has Dawned

 A Light Has Dawned

By: Brian Groe

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Scripture: Isaiah 9:2

                    The people who walked in darkness 

                          have seen a great light; 
                     on those living in a land of deep darkness, 
                         a light has dawned.

One of my last memories of my Grandma Madson was on Christmas Eve.  In the early 1980's Grandma was well into her 90's, still lived in her own home, and kept a boarder.  This Christmas Eve she wanted to go to the Midnight Service which was going to be a hymn sing.  Diana and I left the kids sleeping with my parents, and drove Grandma to the church.   I had to hurry to keep up with Grandma going up the steps to the church, and once inside she situated us so that she was between Diana and I.  Grandma was very hard of hearing, and didn't like to wear hearing aides.   She wanted to sit between us so that she could hear the music.

My Home Church with Northern Lights

I remember how cold it was that night (it is always cold on Christmas in Northern Iowa).  Deep darkness surrounded us as we walked in, and the snow crunched under our feet.  It seemed like the sub-zero cold and the dark would seep deep into our bones. Entering the foyer of the church, the temperature didn't change much, but the blazing light immediately  brought life and warmth!  

According to Isaiah, we dwell in a land of deep darkness. The darkness is so intense that it feels like it is seeping into us, and will overcome us.  The world around us is filled with despair and loneliness. Every day we encounter people that have lost all hope.  .

On them a light has dawned! This light brings life and warmth.  This light gives us hope, and a future. I am fascinated with the tense of this verse.  Everything is past tense, even though Isaiah lived 4 centuries before Christ!  God's love has always been shining in this dark world, and has always dawned upon His people.  In the light of God's love, we too can shine in this dark world.

Stained Glass from Church of Joan d'Arc in Rouen, France

We don't often get a chance to see our church lit up at night.  To see the beautiful stained glass with lights glowing from the inside.  Just like the church's windows shine with the light that comes from within, we shine in this dark world when the love of God shines through us.  

I can still hear my Grandma Madson singing those familiar Christmas Carols that night.  Her voice was rough with age, but the notes were still true.  The Light of God that did shine, does shine, and forever will shine in our lives gives us a purpose in this life, and by this light we can shine in this dark world.   Beyond this life God's love gives us hope that we will be with our loved ones again.  

This Avent season, let us make every effort to share that love of Christ with everyone that we meet!  For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and His name shall be called Wonderful ....

Dear Lord,

Give me eyes to see and ears to hear. 

I know there is light in the darkness that makes everything new. 

I know there is new life in suffering that opens a new earth for me. 

I know there is a joy beyond sorrow that rejuvenates my heart. 

Yes, Lord, I know that you are, that you act, that you love, 

that you indeed are Light, Life, and Truth.

Let me then see and hear. Lord, 

show me your vision, 

become a guide in life 

and impart meaning to all my concerns.

Amen.

Henri Nouwen