Today is the first Sunday of Advent, that time set aside for the celebration of the coming God’s Messiah. Advent is more than Christmas. Advent is about a process of expectation that defies the negative circumstances from which it was birthed. That process begins with hope that we are invited to live in and stand upon. It is given to us through a Promise made to us by God.
Advent is about Light coming to dispel darkness. Advent is about Glory being revealed to display God’s holiness, sovereignty, and omnipotence. Advent is about God cutting through human chaos and bringing redemption and purpose for all creation.
Isaiah begins with the announcement of change—no more gloom for those in anguish. In the past, the Lord humbled the northern lands of Zebulun and Naphtali (Israel); but in the future, God will honor Galilee. That is where Messiah will first appear—Galilee, a place looked down on as less spiritual, less pure than Judea.
The explanation of this exaltation is found in this verse. The language is poetic: darkness signifies adversity, despair, gloom and evil, and the light signifies prosperity, peace, and joy. The language is used elsewhere of the Messianic Age—“the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in his wings (Malachi 4:2).” So, the people in the north who have suffered so much have the prospect of a wonderful new beginning.
Isaiah’s verbs are past tense—he writes as if it has already happened. That is prophetic language. The prophet was a “seer,” a visionary. He received divine revelation and recorded what he saw. Because this revelation came from God, it was as good as done. It was certain, even though it had not yet worked out in history.
There is clear belief by the New Testament writers that this prophecy is about Jesus. Matthew 4:16 quotes the prophet to report the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. Jesus is the true light of the world that lights every person. Jesus brings grace and truth and the sure promise of peace.
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