The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.
Isa. 9:2 ESV
This verse from Isaiah usually finds its home in Advent. But I think it is equally at home in Holy Week.
Darkness and light figure prominently in the Bible. Think of Genesis 1 where light and dark, once separated, alternate in a dance that continues to this day. It is as if you cannot have light without darkness.
David, in the Shepherd’s Psalm, speaks of the valley of the shadow of death. These are the very words used in Isaiah 9 (deep darkness or darkness of death). The Lord is with him and will bring him once again into the light.
John speaks of darkness and light in a battle at the beginning of his Gospel:
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Jn. 1:5 ESV
And at Jesus’ crucifixion darkness covers the land.
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.
Matt. 27:45 ESV
The same is echoed in the ancient Christian Tenebrae service during the last three days before Easter. It is a service of shadows and often ends in total darkness and, after a loud noise, silence.
Why the darkness over the land? Why the darkness of Tenebrae?
For this reason: Jesus walked our valley of the shadow of death. He entered the utter darkness of the grave and our own dark Hell. Why?
To shine in victory over the grave, death, and Hell for us! Hallelujah!
This Mind 
Yes! What wonderful words!!
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I love OUT OF darkness!
I believe there are so many other examples of darkness and light, without those specific words being used.
We are asked to pick up our cross and FOLLOW and we are told that the gates of hell shall NOT prevail. This tells me that there will be trials and tribulations and that hell is a real place, which does have an impact in this world. Darkness.
But they also offer assurances that who we are following knows the way and that who is in charge has strength, might, and authority. Light.
The most important example for me, is Jesus’ death and resurrection. People have said, “He came to die and take away my sins.” Darkness.
I disagree. He IS LIGHT!
Yes, He had to die in order to pay for my sins, to cleanse me in His blood, so that I can daily live knowing God can see me in love. But if just dying was His purpose, He could have stopped there, done, purpose fulfilled!
I believe His purpose for coming was to create a way so that I can eternally be in the presence of my God, Creator, Abba.
HE IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Happy Easter to you all!
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A joyous, triumphant Easter to you!
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This is beautiful! Thank you, William Price!
We wish you a joyous Easter filled with the light of Jesus! He is Risen!
Ron and Patti Lynch
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A joyous Easter to both of you!
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