Hope That Interrupts Our Darkness - Your Nightly Prayer - December 16th

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Hope That Interrupts Our Darkness
Your Nightly Prayer
By Sophia Bricker 

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE 

"Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace." - Luke 1:78-79, NLT

SOMETHING TO PONDER 

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is not what most people would classify as a typical Christmas song. The dirge-like sound of the music and chanting lyrics seems oddly somber compared to the twinkly bell music of other carols and the imagery of reindeer and Santa Claus. Yet, this beautifully haunting hymn drawn from the ancient “O Antiphons” encapsulates the good news of Christmas.  

Scripture contains a similar song, one that Zechariah sang about his son, John, and the prophetic role he would play in preparing the way for the coming of the Lord. The Messiah is the rising sun (NIV) or morning light (NLT) mentioned by Zechariah, who would bring light to those in darkness. For He is the Light of the World, the one who brings people out of the kingdom of darkness into a better and everlasting kingdom (see John 8:12 and Colossians 1:13). As reflected in a line of the traditional Christmas hymn that references Jesus’ fulfillment of Isaiah 9:2: “O come, O Bright and Morning Star, / and bring us comfort from afar! / Dispel the shadows of the night / and turn our darkness into light.” 

Jesus came into the world, and the darkness could not overcome Him (John 1:5). To those who are sitting in darkness today––whether from circumstances, illness, or loss––the hope found in Christ brings light. We are not alone. Death will not win. And the Lord is working in our lives to bring about His good purposes, even when we do not understand or perceive His work in times of hardship. This is cause for rejoicing, as the refrain of the old Christmas hymn reminds us. Our Savior, who is God with us, came and is coming again.     

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 

Thank you, Jesus, for coming into the world to bring us salvation. You are the Light that the darkness cannot overcome, and I trust that You can dispel the shadows in my life. Please shine into the areas of hurt, bringing healing from Your love and reviving my hope. For You are also my living hope, the one who defeated the grave. May I remember that You, Immanuel, are with me no matter what I face. Amen.    

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON 

1. Lighting a candle or switching on a light in a dark room. What does this action make you think of, and how does it make you feel?  

2. A Bible verse that contains a promise that you cherish. This could be a reference to the Lord’s presence (Matthew 28:20), the hope of the coming renewal of all things (Revelation 21:1-4), or the promise of Jesus’ return (Revelation 22:20). How might meditating on this passage provide you with an anchor to hold onto during times of pain or sorrow? 

3. One of the titles for Jesus from the Christmas hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (Immanuel, Wisdom, Lord of might, Branch of Jesse, Key of David, Bright and Morning Star, King of nations). Which title sparks hope in you? In what way could you incorporate it into your prayers this week?    

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/RomoloTavani

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.  

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