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Light After Lockup

The Dawn of Hope - Advent 2024 - Day 2

"Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:1-7 KJV)

 

When cell doors lock shut, the darkness feels final. But notice these powerful promises: the breaking of yokes, the removal of burdens, the end of oppression. This isn't just ancient poetry – it's a present reality for those transitioning from incarceration to freedom, from addiction to recovery, from shame to purpose.

The prophet speaks of "confused noise" and "garments rolled in blood" being transformed by fire. Sound familiar? The chaos of past choices, the stains of former lives – all of it can be transformed by the One whose names include Wonderful, Counsellor, Prince of Peace.

 

Your Light-Bearer Truth:

Just as God chose Galilee – a region others looked down on – to reveal His greatest light, He's choosing you, right where you are, to display His transforming power.

 

Preparing Your Heart for Christmas:
Which of Christ's names speaks most deeply to your current situation? Wonderful in your weakness? Counsellor in your confusion? Prince of Peace in your chaos?

JOURNALING PROMPT
"Complete this sentence: 'The name of Jesus that brings me hope today is _______ because _______'"

PRAYER PARTNERSHIP
"Need prayer for a specific 'darkness to dawn' situation? Comment '' and our prayer team will lift you up."

Join our Central Bible Ministries family where God's light breaks through every Monday - 9:30 AM or 6:30 PM. Hot meal and hope served together.

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