Isaiah 9:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-25

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

At this time of year, so many of us are already looking forward to spring for one reason or another. We’re eager to emerge from the cold months of the year and enter back into the warmer days. And as we all know now that we’re past the winter solstice the days are getting longer again. The cold and dark of winter does a number on the body and mind. 

Darkness is menacing to us. During winter, it’s not just the cold that prevents us from going outside as much, but the dark. When we can’t see more than a couple feet in front of us, it changes how we think and act. Indeed, we’re also aware that nothing good happens in the dark. Darkness is where the unknown constantly confronts us. Any number of things can happen when sight is hindered. 

For such is the image in our Gospel lesson this week. Christ enters into our world like the dawning of a new day. He is the light that scatters the darkness around us. “The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned,” Matthew 4:16. Matthew marks the beginning of Jesus’ ministry with this image as Jesus takes up the proclamation of John the Baptist, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Matthew 4:17. 

We are a people who have dwelt in a land of darkness, in the shadow of sin and death. This darkness has changed the way we live and act. It’s menacing to us as the darkness of our world seems to overshadow everything we say and do. Indeed, in sin, we can’t see more than a couple feet in front of us. We don’t always know what lays before us and are afraid of the unknown that may confront us. 

Yet, the night is almost over. The light has appeared over the horizon like the dawning of a new day. For Christ comes as light. In his ministry, He brings to light all our works of evil, all our sins that we may repent. He invites us to follow just as he calls his first disciples, Peter and Andrew, James and John. For his light brings to us a new day, one no more dominated by sin and death but rather by grace and life! Christ comes into the darkness of our world, even going into the darkness of death on the cross. By his death, he dispels the darkness of our world and invites us to follow him. For the night of this world is quickly ending and giving way to the dawning of a new day. For the light of Christ shall arise on us and bring us by faith to the eternal day, even eternal life! 

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!