The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.” (v.2)
Art historian Seymour Slive described the great Dutch artist Rembrandt (1606–1669) 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 shines not from his lantern but from the Christ-child, illuminating those who have gathered close to Him.
Each person may see a different story in Rembrandt’s painting, but perhaps each of us is represented somewhere in that stable. Are we kneeling in worship, or standing back in hesitation? Are we hiding from the light that has penetrated our darkness, or do we find ourselves attracted to its essence?
Jesus invites us to step out of the shadows of darkness and to allow His light to shine into our hearts. As one poet describes it; “Observing God’s love from afar is only a passing delight; But when we experience Christ’s presence, our darkness is turned into light.” My prayer for you today if you find yourself one of those in the painting standing farther away in darkness, that you would step into His light of forgiveness and follow Him into eternal glory.
The Truth: Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." (John 8:12)
Art historian Seymour Slive described the great Dutch artist Rembrandt (1606–1669) 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 shines not from his lantern but from the Christ-child, illuminating those who have gathered close to Him.
Each person may see a different story in Rembrandt’s painting, but perhaps each of us is represented somewhere in that stable. Are we kneeling in worship, or standing back in hesitation? Are we hiding from the light that has penetrated our darkness, or do we find ourselves attracted to its essence?
Jesus invites us to step out of the shadows of darkness and to allow His light to shine into our hearts. As one poet describes it; “Observing God’s love from afar is only a passing delight; But when we experience Christ’s presence, our darkness is turned into light.” My prayer for you today if you find yourself one of those in the painting standing farther away in darkness, that you would step into His light of forgiveness and follow Him into eternal glory.
The Truth: Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." (John 8:12)
