Dec. 22, 2019
Die evangelische Kirche : in Tajima, Rev. R. Ishida
kai to phos en te skotia phainei
kai he skotia ou katelaben
(and the light is shining in the darkness
and the darkness did not comprehend it.) John.1:5
(overcome)
The word darkness in the Bible is not literal darkness. Let's see Lk. 1:79. To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Mt.4:14---16. The land of Zeb'ulun and the land of Naph'tali, toward the sea across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles---the people who
sat in the reign and shadow of death.
Historically, people there have been oppressed, afflicted. Darkness!
On the other hand, we find another darkness.
In Zeph. 2:3, all you oppressed of the land. In 3.12, a people afflicted and lowly. Furthermore, he says: And I will, the lame and gather the outcast (the estranged from). The land of Galilee has had a hard history. About Galilee Jesaja says: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness on them has light shined.
Prophet Isaiah could say so alone. He has only seen the light. But we all, after seven hundred years, see the light in a manger. It never stops shining. It has been shining since the light came. It is only hope of every person who's oppressed, afflicted, hopeless, poor, sick and “am ha arez”: they are estranged from ordinary community.
The light has filled with grace,mercy and truth; never failing love Any power of darkness never destroys the light shining in the darkness, and beings of the lost, of people living in the shadow of death and of people relying on the light coming from the manger.
The light from the manger is weak and fragile. But in the weakness of this light God has created His steadfast love to which every humble heart comes up. The light of Jesus is shining in you from now on.
Once you were useless because you were estranged:"me onta":. But now you have found as the only one in front of the Father of Jesus.
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like crocus it blossoms abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. (Isaiah.35:1,2.). Let's rejoice the light in the manger; Jesus Christus!