“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:1-5 ESV
We can all feel like we are living in dark days.
Innocent people caught in the tragedy of politics and war, the fear of what we will see next on the news, some still recovering mentally, physically, spiritually from two years of being isolated and locked down in their homes, and it overall feels like evil is starting to rule what is good.
Tensions are high, hearts are weary, and our focus can be fixated on the darkness.
However,
THE LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS. Let me repeat that.
THE LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS.
THE LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS.
The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.
Mary was given the news in a time where darkness and evil reigned. Culturally things were different, but they faced great opposition with rulers over the nation and control over God's people. Awaited prophecies of the Messiah to come had probably faded and now Mary, chosen by God, will receive and carry the greatest promise to mankind.
God chose Mary, who was called highly favored, to receive the news that:
The Son would be great.
He will be the Son of the Most High.
He will be given the throne of David.
He will reign over the House of Jacob forever.
HIS KINGDOM WILL NEVER END.
(Luke 1:30-34)
“And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38
Mary may have been afraid when the angel appeared to her at the beginning, but we see a woman of God who has chosen to trust and follow her Lord even when to man it would be impossible, but with God, anything was possible.
Mary, a virgin, would birth the Messiah, the light we have waited for.
It would cost Mary her reputation, at the time of her marriage, to bring a child into a world where darkness was reigning and it would be dangerous to have a son. But as the angel told her to not be afraid, we see the response of Mary with joy and confidence in God.
“And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
“And His mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
He has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to His offspring forever.””
Luke 1:46-55
The posture of her heart reminds us that God is with us and He will fulfill His promise.
He will help His people. His mercy is given to those who fear Him and worship Him. He will bless the generations who call upon the One true God.
The true light will always defeat darkness. As the promise was given to God’s people and to Mary, the Messiah would come and He did.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
And there will be a day when Christ will return and reclaim what darkness tried to destroy, God will redeem.
Following Christ will cost us something and we will have to have faith like Mary to believe in the power and authority of God, that in Him all things are possible. That in God, He has called us to be image bearers of His light and share the good news that Jesus came to save us and give us eternal life. This darkness is only for a moment compared to eternal glory we will have in Christ.
The Lord may be calling out to you, preparing you to take on something far greater than you can imagine in a time where it may feel impossible. It may cost you something, it may cost everything, but the outcome may outweigh it all if you choose to have faith and not fear.
This season, do not give darkness the power and authority over your situations, because Light has overcome and will not win.
Our true light, Christ has come.
~ Sarah Moon