The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

An art historian by the name of Seymour Slive described the great Dutch artist Rembrandt as “the master of light and shadow, a compelling storyteller on canvas.” Rembrandt’s painting The Adoration of the Shepherds portrays the darkened stable in Bethlehem where two shepherds kneel beside the manger while other people stand farther away.  One man holds a lantern, but the brightest light does not shine from his lantern, but from the Christ-child, illuminating those who have gathered close to Him.

Seven hundred years before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah used an image of light and shadow to foretell the coming of a Savior for Israel.  “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,” (Isaiah 9:2,6).

As one looks at the picture, each person may see a different story in Rembrandt’s painting, but maybe each one of us are represented in that stable.  Are we kneeling in worship and adoration at the feet of Jesus, or are we standing back in hesitation, not sure whether we want to fully commit?  Or perhaps we may be hiding from the light of Jesus that is trying to penetrate our darkness.

Christmas invites us to step out of the shadows of darkness and to allow the light of Christ to shine into our hearts.  Jesus said “I am the light of the world.”  Let us, not only allow that light to shine into our hearts but let us make sure that light is shining out into the world.