Title: Waiting for a New Light
Reference: Isaiah 8:21–9:7
Speaker: Caleb Jenkins, CalebJ@cckc.church

– See the Darkness for What It Is

Advent begins in the dark and moves toward the light—but the season should not move too quickly or too glibly, lest we fail to acknowledge the depth of the darkness. As our Lord Jesus tells us, unless we see the light of God clearly, what we call light is actually darkness… Advent bids us take a fearless inventory of the darkness: the darkness without and the darkness within.~ Fleming Rutledge, Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ

– Look for the Unexpected Light

In all of the Bible’s references to light, light is not self-generated. It comes (usually unbidden) from outside the earthly and human sphere and transforms that sphere with a transcendent splendor. As a symbol light thus pictures the simultaneous transcendence and immanence of God: it is from above, but it permeates everyday life. (Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, s.v. “Summary,” 512.)

– Trust the Unexpected Light Will Reign

I was a fool to wander and stray
For straight is the gate and narrows the way
Now I have traded the wrong for the right
Praise the Lord, I saw the light

I saw the light, I saw the light
No more darkness, no more night
Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord, I saw the light
~ Hank Williams