The people walking in darkness have seen a great light, a light has dawned on those living in

the land of darkness. (Isaiah 9:2)

Israel knew darkness -- especially the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali. Located in the north of

Israel, the probing of the country by outside forces was absorbed predominantly by these two

groups. In those days, they were certainly walking in darkness; and that meant oppression,

destruction, and death. 

I am very intrigued by all things Alaska, but I’m not ready to venture northwest year-round.

Unlike Coach Cal, I don’t think I have the survival skills necessary to make it on the last frontier. I

have enough of a problem living in KY when the clock is set back in November. Getting up in the

dark, getting home in the dark, it’s miserable! To think of constant darkness for several weeks in

a row would absolutely drive me crazy (although, I do hope to one day see the Northern Lights!).

And it’s not just me. People in areas where the sunlight is limited can suffer from a medical

condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. And do you know what the treatment is

for SAD? Light! 

After the close of the Old Testament writings, the world suffered through a four hundred year

period when there were no prophets and no word from God. Can you imagine that? 400 years?

That’s like from now back to 1623! The year a two-month drought ended for the American

colonists – resulting in the first recorded religious Thanksgiving Day in Plymouth. Maybe even

more difficult to imagine would be 400 years in the future: 2423. Let’s see, that could be my

tenth great grandchildren! 

400 years of spiritual darkness. l guess that would be Spiritual Affective Disorder. Either way, it’s

definitely sad.

But the promise of light was to bring life.

John 1:4-5 says, In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the

darkness and yet the darkness did not overcome it.

When Jesus came into the world, there was a light, a star, which pierced through four hundred

years of darkness and led the way right to His manger. And His light has been shining in

unbroken succession for over two thousand years, bringing life to people ever since that day. 

If you are experiencing the effects of SAD today, spend time in the light of Jesus! Think for a

moment about your relationship with Christ. Is it negatively affected by lack of light? What are

some ways you can introduce more light into your daily routine?



By Bill Ellis

Bill serves as the Care and Outreach Pastor at Immanuel. He and his wife, Elizabeth, enjoy

spending time with their children and grandchildren. They also love the outdoors, especially

America’s beautiful national parks.