Darkness → Light

A Reflection for Christmas Eve by Rev. Julie Jane Capel

Lectionary reading for 12/24/2025: Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Selected passage: Isaiah 9:2-7

Read

Isaiah 9: 2-7 TNIV

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as soldiers rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of the oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for the burning, will be fuel for the fire.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. 

Reflect

Dawn is a splitting of dark and light. 

Dawn is a grace that sometimes sneaks up on you and sometimes is a clear moment of color streaked over the gray skies. In this Isaiah text there is mention of people who have moved through (walked) the darkness and some that have been stuck in that darkness (dwelt). 

Verse 2 in the ESV: “The people who have walked in the darkness have seen a great light; and those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them the light has shown.” 

As I think of the dawns in our lives I think of the symbol → . Both merely and miraculously, a direction that points beyond what is currently experienced individually and corporately. 

Darkness → Light

Defeat → Predictable peace that puts back what has been divided

Physical Pain → Becomes memories and scars

Burdens → Not being alone in heaviness

Despair → Joy

Loss → Abundance

Captivity → Freedom for and freedom from

Separation → Integration 

Falsehood → Justice

Consistent Disappointment → Hope

Mere and miraculous, simple and sacred, the great light is the grace and zeal of the Lord Almighty accomplishing → in our lives. 

Respond

Today, be mindful of the → while driving by holiday lights, attending Christmas Eve services, participating in Advent devotionals and viewing nativity scenes, look for the physical juxtaposition of light and dark. Which one are you personally identifying with?

Have you experienced a season of swift guidance by a pillar of spiritual fire leading you along the way (Exodus 13:21)?

Have you recently walked or crawled through a murky spiritual time?

Have you experienced a season of being stranded or stuck in deep darkness?

No matter where we land in the 🡪 this Christmas eve, may at least a sliver of hope shine through the sky in your life. 

Rest

Lord, as prophetically spoke through Zechariah by the power of the Holy Spirit: We ask that because of your tender mercy - by which the dawn will come to us - that you will shine on those of us living in darkness to guide all of our feet into the path of peace. Amen

About the Author

Rev. Julie Jane Capel is an ordained minister who loves pastoring but also is a woman who has vocationally paused that call to pursue motherhood through IVF (with her husband Danny). Even so, Julie continues to provide pulpit supply, pre-martial counseling, etc. while focusing on her thriving painting career. @jjcpaintings