Podcasts about great light

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Best podcasts about great light

Latest podcast episodes about great light

Christ the Shepherd Presbyterian Church

You have Seen a Great Light!

Waxing Lyrically
A Great Light Has Gone Out- Interviews from the Shakespeare in Love strike

Waxing Lyrically

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 19:51


Drex and Alisa meander and chat with; Holli Blanton, Leslie Ranne, Lorin Samuels, Reuben Ward, and Jordan Bartlett about their experience in the Lyric Theatre's production of Shakespeare in Love.     Audition Workshop on April 1 from 6:30-8:30 pm (taught by Caitlyn Tidwell in preparation for our summer musical, Legally Blonde, register at brownwoodlyrictheatre.com) Bygone Brown new locally produced podcast (Relive those thrilling days of yesteryear with this extensively researched and entertainingly told - using the voices of Lyric Players - this series brings to life American and Texas history in the 19th century from the perspective of Brown County, Texas) Our Presenting Sponsor for this episode is E3 Studios of Brownwood, from 3d prints to commercial paper products, shirts, hats and more! Visit them on Facebook at E3 Studios!

Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Empowering Teens to Create Their Own Reality

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 55:17


In this jam-packed episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with some fascinating authors about empowering young people to live their best lives. First up was Dr. Ran Anbar, a pediatric pulmonologist who discovered the incredible mind-body connection after working with a patient who could literally think himself into an asthma attack. This led Dr. Anbar on a journey to learn about the power of positive self-talk, inner wisdom, and tools like self-hypnosis.  He shares these insights in his book "The Life Guide for Teens: Harnessing Your Inner Power to be Healthy, Happy, and Confident." Dr. Anbar explains the five keys to a good life - sleep, exercise, diet, social connections, and finding purpose - and how teens can use positive thinking to achieve them. He even demonstrates the surprising physical effects of words, showing how saying "I'm strong" can actually make your arm more resistant to being pushed down. Next, Jed spoke with Wayne McDaniel about his beautifully illustrated children's book "Children of the Great Light." This non-denominational spiritual story teaches universal lessons about the divine light within all of us, and the importance of sharing our unique gifts to help others. Wayne is donating all profits to charities that support orphans and foster children, making this a truly heartwarming project. Finally, we take a listen back to a past interview Jed had  with Stenetta Anthony about her picture book "A Home for Sally," which follows the journey of a special needs puppy searching for a forever family. Stenetta was inspired to write this story after noticing a lack of representation for disabled animals in adoption campaigns, wanting to share a message of inclusion and belonging. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and positivity, perfect for parents looking to nurture the mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing of the young people in their lives. Tune in to be inspired! Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

Eastern Christian Insights
“The People Who Sat in Darkness Have Seen a Great Light”

Eastern Christian Insights

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025


In this season we celebrate the great feast of Theophany, of Christ's baptism when the voice of the Father identified Him as the Son of God and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove. Epiphany reveals that the Savior Who appears from the waters of the Jordan to illumine our world of darkness is the God-Man, a Person of the Holy Trinity. He is baptized to restore us, and the creation itself, to the ancient glory for which we were created. He comes to make all who wandered in the blindness of sin and death radiant with the brilliant light of holiness

Park Street Church Podcast

Randall Wetzig | Matthew 2:1-12 | Sermon given by Randall Wetzig on the book of Matthew.

Church Podcast – Scandia Bible Church
From Darkness to Light: The Messiah in Isaiah and Zechariah [Isaiah 9:1-7]]

Church Podcast – Scandia Bible Church

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025


 Sermon Notes Date: 01/05/2025 Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor Series: Advent Key Text: Isaiah 9:1-7; Zechariah (selected texts) Description:   Over 700 years before Christ, the prophet Isaiah spoke of a Great Light breaking into the darkness — a Child that would bring peace, justice, and restoration to a world weighed down by darkness and despair. […]

Holy Words from Holy Cross
Christmas Eve - We Have Seen A Great Light

Holy Words from Holy Cross

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 16:30


General podcast introduction using "Be Thou My Vision." General podcast outro using "Be Thou My Vision."

Moody Church Hour
Great Light

Moody Church Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2024 54:31


The story of Jesus' coming is filled with surprises. When Mary and Joseph arrived at the temple for a routine visit, they encountered two unexpected figures. In this message, Pastor Philip Miller explores the portrayal, the prospect, and the prophecy of God's redemption. Who could fathom that God, to whom we owe everything, would give up everything for us? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://moodyoffer.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. 

Moody Church Hour on Oneplace.com

The story of Jesus' coming is filled with surprises. When Mary and Joseph arrived at the temple for a routine visit, they encountered two unexpected figures. In this message, Pastor Philip Miller explores the portrayal, the prospect, and the prophecy of God's redemption. Who could fathom that God, to whom we owe everything, would give up everything for us? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29

Moody Church Hour on Oneplace.com

The story of Jesus' coming is filled with surprises. When Mary and Joseph arrived at the temple for a routine visit, they encountered two unexpected figures. In this message, Pastor Philip Miller explores the portrayal, the prospect, and the prophecy of God's redemption. Who could fathom that God, to whom we owe everything, would give up everything for us? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29

Moody Church Hour on Oneplace.com

The story of Jesus' coming is filled with surprises. When Mary and Joseph arrived at the temple for a routine visit, they encountered two unexpected figures. In this message, Pastor Philip Miller explores the portrayal, the prospect, and the prophecy of God's redemption. Who could fathom that God, to whom we owe everything, would give up everything for us? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29

Moody Church Hour on Oneplace.com

The story of Jesus' coming is filled with surprises. When Mary and Joseph arrived at the temple for a routine visit, they encountered two unexpected figures. In this message, Pastor Philip Miller explores the portrayal, the prospect, and the prophecy of God's redemption. Who could fathom that God, to whom we owe everything, would give up everything for us? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29

ConCafe con Eradio Valverde

Isaiah 9:2-7 proclaims the truth: Jesus is the Light of the World! He came to shine us out of darkness! Listen and learn! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eradio-valverde/support

Oviedo City Church Sermons
A Great Light | For Our Darkness

Oviedo City Church Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 39:55


Oviedo City Church Sermons
A Great Light | For Our Conflict

Oviedo City Church Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 36:58


Christmas is usually seen as a time of peace. After all, on the first Christmas, the angels declared that there would be peace on earth as a result of the birth of Jesus. Yet, we are far from having peace. Why do we not see the promised peace that the Prince of Peace was said to bring? How can we have that peace, and what is God's plan to bring it about? Is there more to the idea of peace than we think? Two thousand years after the Prince of Peace lived among us, these are all valid questions that we will explore.

WestGate Church Teaching
ADVENT - WE'VE SEEN A GREAT LIGHT | The Light of Justice and Righteousness

WestGate Church Teaching

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024


The prophet Isaiah, more than 800 years before the birth of Jesus, wrote that a Messiah would come, that the “government would be on His shoulders” and that His kingdom of justice of righteousness would last forever. This promise, of a King who will love what's right and set things right, not only resonated then, but in our chaotic and broken world, resonates with us today. But. sometimes, we modern people, in our thirst for justice, skip over the “righteousness” part, and accidentally do harm. Or, we skip over the “justice” part, leaving empty non-sacrificial religion. But the kingdom of God is both justice AND righteousness. And together, these words show something not only about who God is, but what He's up to and what kind of people He wants his image bearers to be. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Isaiah 9:2,6-7 SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Isaiah 9:2,5

FBC Wheeling Sermon Podcast
A Great Light in Darkness

FBC Wheeling Sermon Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024


Dr. Darrin Wright,FBCW,FBC Wheeling,Isaiah Sermon, Isaiah, A Great Light in Darkness, Isaiah 9,

Tri-State Community Church - Sermons
A Great Light Part II // Isaiah 9:1-6

Tri-State Community Church - Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 42:26


In this message we continue our study of this great passage. After a period of deep darkness, Isaiah speaks of a coming light--a Great Light. This Great Light will dispel the tyranny and oppression of this world and the spiritual forces of darkness imprisoning it. This joy and deliverance comes because "to us a child is born, to us a Son is given. This Son is the light of the world who will dispel the darkness and bring to us peace. This Child is Jesus. He is wonderful. He is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace."

Highest Praise Church
A Great Light

Highest Praise Church

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 42:20


In this message, we are reminded of the profound simplicity and power of trusting in the Lord, especially during the Christmas season. Reflecting on the story of the Magi from Matthew 2, we see how God used a star to guide these wise men to Jesus, illustrating the importance of following the light that God provides in our lives. The Magi, despite their pagan background, recognized the significance of the star and followed it, demonstrating a deep trust in the divine guidance they received. This trust is a call for us to move out of our comfort zones and follow God's light, even when it doesn't make sense or when it leads us to unexpected places. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus is the light of the world, a theme we've explored throughout December. Light, as explained, is composed of three distinct rays, paralleling the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This divine light can dispel darkness, just as Jesus dispels the darkness in our lives. The Magi's journey is a testament to the power of this light and the importance of trusting in God's guidance, regardless of our understanding. As we look forward to 2025, we are encouraged to anticipate a revival, where God will speak to people in unexpected ways. The Magi's story reminds us that God can reach anyone, regardless of their background, and that His ways are often beyond our comprehension. We are called to trust in Him, acknowledging that His plans are perfect, even when they appear simple or humble, like the birth of Jesus in a manger. This Christmas, let us remember the simplicity of God's love and the gift of Jesus, who came to bring us hope, peace, and joy. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made for us, and we are encouraged to trust in His light and follow His voice, just as the Magi did.

MAPS Family Gathering
Advent: The Dawn of a Great Light

MAPS Family Gathering

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2024 76:49


Oviedo City Church Sermons
A Great Light | For Our Loneliness

Oviedo City Church Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2024 37:32


We live in a world full of distractions, yet beneath it all lies a deep longing for connection, belonging, and home. This week, we'll explore Isaiah's prophecy of a child born to us—our Everlasting Father. How does Jesus, the Son given to us, reveal the heart of a perfect father? And how does his fatherly care lead us out of loneliness and into what we long for most: a true and lasting home in him? Listen as we discover how Jesus is the great light for our loneliness.Advent Reflection Questions: Isaiah calls Jesus our Everlasting Father (Isa. 9:6), not as God the Father, but to describe the quality of his character. How does this title reveal Jesus' loving, protective, and shepherding nature toward his people?In a world where 1 in 3 people feel lonely weekly, many turn to distractions like TV, social media, or temporary escapes to cope. How does Jesus, as our Everlasting Father, offer a deeper solution to loneliness and the longing for connection?Psalm 103:13 says, “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” How does this verse deepen your understanding of Jesus' father-like care and compassion for you?Reflecting on the human longing for connection and home, how does Jesus' incarnation at Christmas address the brokenness in our world and draw us into God's fatherly love?In the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), the father welcomes his son with unconditional love and grace. How can we reflect this same welcoming love and grace of Jesus as we call others back home to God?

Christ Church of Mt Airy Sermons
Jesus: The Great Light and Prince of Peace

Christ Church of Mt Airy Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2024


What robs us of our peace - conspiracies and endless information? The coming of Christ is like a great light, replacing gloom with joyful gladness, peace, and healing.

WestGate Church Teaching
ADVENT - WE'VE SEEN A GREAT LIGHT | The Light of Peace amid the Darkness of Conflict

WestGate Church Teaching

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2024


When we think of Christmas, we might think of twinkling lights, or the words of Silent Night that say “all is bright, all is calm.” But that first Christmas was anything but quiet. The birth of Jesus was actually a conflict, as we see in the response of people in power, like Herod. And yet, into this world of conflict we hear the words of the Prophet Isaiah, who wrote, hundreds of years before Jesus was born, that someday, God will stop all conflict. The promise in Isaiah that God will burn (read: entirely destroy) the bloody boots and garments of conflict. And in this world, no matter what conflict we find around us (or even inside of us), the promise of Jesus is the promise of Peace. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Isaiah 9:2,5

B4 Church Weekly Teaching
Week 3 – “A Great Light: The Light of the World”

B4 Church Weekly Teaching

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2024 40:33


There is no order, no boundaries. And into this great, vast, chaos, God speaks the first words we ever hear Him speak, “Let there be light.” It says his first act in building a home for us was to separate light from darkness. What would the rest of creation have been like without the gift […]

Tri-State Community Church - Sermons
A Great Light // Isaiah 9:1-2

Tri-State Community Church - Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2024 42:31


At the start this message may sound like a history lesson but what we have is a great anecdote to the increasing fear and anxiety which abounds today. As we look at the ancient history we see many parallels to our own time and more importantly, we see God's very own cure for this age old problem.

Bishop Creek Community Church Podcast

Message from Pastor Kelly Larson on December 15, 2024

Today Daily Devotional

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 God provides an immediate follow-up to the passage we reflected on yesterday, about choosing to live in “utter darkness.” Because of God's mercy, the gloom and hopelessness of consulting the dead will not be the final word on their lives. Instead “a light has dawned” on them. Notice the unfolding impact of this “great light.” God's people will rejoice in ways that need all kinds of metaphors to describe. Their oppressors will lose their power. The very instruments of war used to control them will be destroyed. All of these signs point to freedom and new life that the people could not achieve on their own. The joyful hope of God's deliverance flows through this prophetic word. Further, God promises to do all of this through the birth of a child, whose rule will bring never-ending peace. Where death once tainted everything they saw, the people who are trapped in darkness will see God's flourishing kingdom coming into view. To make this certain, God declares, “The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” During Advent we remember how God started this rule of peace through the birth of Jesus Christ. And we look forward to the day when God will bring us into the fullness of this vision. God, thank you for bringing your kingdom of peace through Jesus Christ. In your continued mercy, please shine your great light on all who live in darkness, apart from you. Amen.

The Vine Church
A Great Light | #joyofchristmas Week 3

The Vine Church

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 41:47


A Great Light | #joyofchristmas Week 3 Connect with us, Send Prayer Requests and Stay Up To Date on our FREE ChurchApp: thevine.tv/app [Sermon Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/40960/note-221162.html ] [Video: https://youtu.be/Pd6fV3ULWcc⁠ ] DMCA used with permission via through our Multitracks.com Streaming License 2100 info: thevine.tv/license Full Worship Experience: ⁠https://youtu.be/mBworkrIlEQ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thevine.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/thevinetvSC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thevine.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/thevinetv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/thevinetv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #jesus #jesuschrist #bible #bibleteaching #godlovesyou #godsfamily #allhaveaplace #church #churchonlineservice #churchonline #churchfamily #churchlive #praiseandworship #lovegodloveothers #thebestisstillyettocome #lifechanging #christiancommunity #thevinetv #joinspartanburg #vinefam #joyofchristmas #joy

Renewing Your Mind Minute with R.C. Sproul
A Great Light for Those in Darkness

Renewing Your Mind Minute with R.C. Sproul

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 5:11


When Jesus Christ entered the world, a great light dawned over a world darkened by sin. Today, R.C. Sproul marvels at the radiant hope that accompanied the birth of the Savior. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/a-great-light-for-those-in-darkness/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Oviedo City Church Sermons
A Great Light | For Our Weakness

Oviedo City Church Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2024 35:53


We often see strength as the answer to weakness, but the gospel turns this idea upside down. Isaiah 9:6 announces the birth of a child, a son called Mighty God, a profound paradox: strength wrapped in fragility. Throughout Scripture, God's power is made perfect in weakness, culminating in the arrival of Christ. Born in weakness, He came to fight and defeat our greatest enemies—sin, death, and the devil—securing our victory through sacrificial love. Join us this week as we discover how Jesus meets us in our weakness and leads us to His strength as our Mighty God.

WestGate Church Teaching
ADVENT - WE'VE SEEN A GREAT LIGHT | The Light of Freedom amid the Darkness of Burden | December 8, 2024

WestGate Church Teaching

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2024


More than 2400 years ago, a prophet named Isaiah wrote words of hope to his people, the Israelites, that someday God might send help - someone to “shatter the yoke of oppression.” Using extreme language, the prophet yearns for a time when God sends someone to “shatter the yoke of oppression” - removing for good suffering endured and suffering inflicted. And not just removing - but shattering. This is complete victory. There's no shortage of suffering in our world today, from large-scale conflicts to interpersonal struggles which seem unlikely to change, if not intractable or impossible. And it's into this kind of bleak world that God promises to enter. Freedom from deep suffering is actually the fruit of being near and connected to God and knowing that He is with us and for us. SPEAKERS: Christina Papoulias (Saratoga), Jay Kim (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Isaiah 9:2-7

Evergreen Church - Sermons & Teaching
A Great Light Shines (Isaiah 9:2)

Evergreen Church - Sermons & Teaching

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 33:23


DATE: December 01, 2024 SERIES: Advent Through the Eyes of a Prophet TEXT: Isaiah 9:2 SPEAKER: Rev. David Zavadil https://www.evergreentn.com/

WestGate Church Teaching
ADVENT - WE'VE SEEN A GREAT LIGHT | The Light of Joy amidst the Darkness of Despair | December 1, 2024

WestGate Church Teaching

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024


The weeks leading up to Christmas are traditionally called “advent” - a word which means “arrival” - in which we take time to pause and reflect on the arrival of Jesus, and what that means and meant for the world and for us. The first week's focus is on joy - especially in the midst of a dark world. But we have such a shallow understanding of joy; we make it synonymous with “pleasure.” But joy in the Bible - both in the New and Old Testaments - is not something manufactured or concocted or even based on “good” circumstances. It comes from God Himself - and is a fruit of being near and connected to Him and knowing that He is with us and for us. And SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Isaiah 9:2-7

Oviedo City Church Sermons
A Great Light | For Our Decisions

Oviedo City Church Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2024 40:07


Have you ever been afraid of the dark? Darkness has a way of stirring confusion, fear, and uncertainty. It surrounds us in the world, and it dwells within us. But Christmas reminds us that into all our darkness, a great light has come. This Advent, we'll reflect on the powerful names of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 and discover how he brings light to every shadow we face. He is our Wonderful Counselor, guiding us in our decisions. He is our Mighty God, strengthening us in our weakness. He is our Everlasting Father, comforting us in our loneliness. And he is our Prince of Peace, calming the storms of our conflict. Join us as we come to adore the One who is our Great Light!

Freedom Gateway Center Podcast
2024 - 1103 - It's Time To Let The Great Light Shine

Freedom Gateway Center Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2024 51:00


2024 - 1103 - It's Time To Let The Great Light Shine

Short Talk Bulletin
The Great Light V28N3

Short Talk Bulletin

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 18:40


Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl Claudy, and is brought to us by WBro John Rock, Solar Star #14, Bath ME. Upon the altar of every regular and well governed Lodge rests the Book of Holy Scripture, typically the Bible. Interestingly, if the Judeo-Christian Bible is not the […]

The Church at Rocky Peak | Weekend Services

This weekend, we had the privilege of hearing a powerful message from Pastor Peter Kasirivu, founder of Africa Renewal Ministries, where we were reminded that Jesus is the Great Light who drives away darkness. As followers of Christ, we are called to live for God in every area of our lives and to reflect the light of Jesus to everyone we meet.

BIBLE IN TEN
Matthew 4:16

BIBLE IN TEN

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 9:22


Thursday, 26 September 2024   The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16   “The people sitting in darkness, it saw Light – great, and sitting in a country and death-shadow, Light – it arose upon them” (CG).   In the previous verse, Isaiah's prophecy concerning the coming great Light began. That now continues with the words, “The people sitting in darkness.”   The words explain the situation described in the previous verse. The Assyrians had come in and conquered the land, removing the northern ten tribes for their faithless conduct before the Lord. In place of them, pagans from around the Assyrian empire were brought in. They worshiped all the gods of their homelands, bringing great spiritual darkness when they did.   Many of these false religions partly continued, being intermingled with the customs and religion of the Jews, as it said in 1 Kings 17:33, “They feared the Lord, yet served their own gods—according to the rituals of the nations from among whom they were carried away.”   This lack of properly worshiping the Lord continued throughout the years. And notice the use of the present participle, sitting. Those translations which render it as “sat” do a disservice to the intent. They were sitting and continued to sit in it.   The light of the worship of the Lord under the law did not permeate the darkness in which they sat. Something greater was needed to pull them out of the state of darkness in which they were stuck. But when Christ came, of this area of darkness, “it saw Light – great.”   It is referring to Jesus and His ministry. This is the area of His main focus for an extended period. And it wasn't just to the Jews, even though that was the primary calling. An example of His bringing light to others is found in John 4 where Jesus was presented as the Messiah to the Samaritans in Sychar.   Throughout the region, there was only darkness. And this included the religion of the Jews in the synagogues. They had been taken over by the religious leaders who misdirected the people with their false, self-centered, teachings. These received the greatest rebukes from Jesus.   As He said to them, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves” Matthew 23:15   Thus, the words of Isaiah continue, referring to the masses of this region, “and sitting in a country.”    The people were sitting in darkness and the darkness is now equated to the country. The area is within the original borders of the land of Israel, and yet there was only darkness. Something greater than the law was needed to move them into a right relationship with the Lord, as the words of the prophecy next note, “and death-shadow.”   The Greek is two separate nouns: skia, a shadow, and thanatos, death. Taken together, they translate the single word found in the Hebrew of Isaiah, tsalmaveth – “death-shadow.” The death referred to carries a double connotation. It is the spiritual death that results in the physical death of humanity.   In other words, without the spiritual life of Christ, man is destined to die. This is what Jesus came to change. He came to give light and life to His people, bringing them out of the spiritual death in which they lived and from the physical death that all suffer because of it. In His coming, the words of the prophecy thus say, “Light – it arose upon them.”   The words are beautifully explained by John as he opened his gospel narrative –   “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.” John 1:4-9   In Jesus' appearing, the words of Isaiah are fulfilled. He is the Great Light that came into the world and who appeared in the spiritual dark lands noted by Isaiah.   Life application: In John 7, we read these words –   “Then the Pharisees answered them, ‘Are you also deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.' 50 Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, 51 ‘Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?' 52 They answered and said to him, ‘Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.'” John 7:47-52   These religious leaders had the words of Isaiah right before them, and yet they refused to accept what he had written because it would not fit their presuppositions about Jesus, and they failed to check things out.   This is still the case today. Why are there some who follow the doctrines of Calvinism and some who completely reject Calvin's main points? Why are there people who accept that you can lose your salvation while others teach salvation is eternal? Many believe in a rapture while others reject the notion as silly. And even among those who accept the premise of a rapture, there are disagreements on the timing of the event.   This is a teeny portion of various disagreements within Christianity over doctrine. In fact, it is an infinitesimally small portion of them. Why is this so?   There are several reasons. One is that people are arguing from different viewpoints about the source of what they believe. Some hold to Scripture alone, but they may hold to a single source text of the Hebrew or Greek or to a single English translation.   Some think that the church has been given ongoing authority to set doctrine while others accept that the Bible is the sole source of doctrine for believers. But the latter again goes back to “which source text or translation.”   Even if a standard is agreed on, if one fails to take the Bible in its proper context, there can be no agreement on how doctrine is presented. If Jesus speaking to Israel under the law is used to make a doctrinal point in the church, and if that conflicts with what Paul says in his epistles, then there will be a disagreement on a particular doctrine.   And, of course, there are those who simply pull doctrines out of nowhere and teach them as if they are biblically correct. These may be based on emotions, sensational events, or desires for power or money. In using those as the basis for instructing others who are uneducated in proper theology, people are captivated and brought into often disastrous situations.   We each must decide what standard we will accept as authoritative. As God has said His word is authoritative, that is the safest place to hang one's hat. From there, each step of the way, we should consider our next step carefully while fixing our eyes on Jesus, whom the Bible says is “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).   If we do this, we should at least have our priorities right as we continue our walk before our God. Let us do this above all else as we seek His face in the Great Light of the face of Jesus Christ our Lord.   Heavenly Father, Hallelujah to You for having sent Jesus to lead the way out of the darkness of this world and into the magnificent light of Your glory. Thank You for what You have done for us. Hallelujah and Amen.