A Great Light

READ

Our longings are not accusations against God's goodness, but invitations into His promise.

Let’s take a moment to read Isaiah 9:1-2:

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

REFLECT

We are people of small horizons and heavy chains—bound by fears we can't name, living smaller lives than we were meant for. Yet something in us still aches for more, still strains toward a light we've never fully seen. These longings aren't merely wishful thinking; they are whispers of divine promise woven into our very being. The tragedy is that we so often grow comfortable in the shadows, mistaking dim twilight for the brilliance that is coming. This Advent, dare to name your deepest longings—they may be the very places where God's light is preparing to break through.

RESPOND

Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.

• What longings in your heart might actually be God's promises waiting to be fulfilled?

REST

Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:

God of Light, forgive us for the times we've settled for shadows when You offer brilliant dawn. Awaken in us the holy longings You've placed deep within—desires that point us toward You. Help us see that our restlessness is not a flaw but a compass, guiding us toward the fulfillment only You can bring. This Advent, break into our darkness with Your promised light. May we have courage to hope for more than we can see, trusting that what You have promised, You will surely bring to pass. Amen.