Every Christmas we celebrate the coming of” the Light” into the world—candles glow, streets shine, and hearts lift with hope. Yet long before shepherds stood under Bethlehem’s dark sky, the promise of that “Light”  was already spoken. Isaiah 9:2 declares, “The people who walk in darkness shall see a great Light—a Light that will shine on all those who live in the land of the shadow of death.”  This ancient prophecy forms one of the clearest bridges between the Old Testament and the Christmas story. Isaiah first spoke these words into a world marked by political fear, military threat, and spiritual confusion. Israel was surrounded by powerful enemies, its future uncertain, and its faith often fragile. Darkness, in every sense, defined their experience. Yet into that bleak reality God promised “Light” —not merely survival, but renewal; not just relief, but redemption. The people walking in despair would not be left there. God Himself would act! Centuries later, Matthew’s Gospel explicitly connects this prophecy to the birth and early ministry of Jesus.  Matthew writes that this happened “to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah” (Matthew 4:14–16). In other words, Christmas is not an isolated miracle; it is the long-anticipated fulfillment of God’s promise to bring “Light” to a darkened world. Christmas celebrates the moment when that promised “Light” took on flesh. The baby in the manger was not simply a symbol of hope; He was hope embodied. The “Light” Isaiah foretold was not an idea or a political reform, but a Person. Jesus steps into human darkness—sin, fear, suffering, and death—and illuminates a new way forward. His birth declares that darkness does not have the final word. I’m praying that you’re making plans now to join us every Sunday in the month of December for our Christmas Teaching Series: CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. I’m also praying that the “Light” of our LORD JESUS will bring brightness and healing into your life this Christmas, and I’m hopeful you’ll be inviting folks to join you as we gather every Sunday this month and celebrate the Birth of KING JESUS, the “Light” of the World! Pastor Joe Still