So that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles–the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the regions and shadow of death light has dawned. (Matthew 4:14-16, NRSV)
In our scripture lesson today, an adult Jesus has just learned that John the Baptist has been arrested. This appears to be Jesus’ cue to begin his public ministry and as it was prophesied in Isaiah, he moves to Capernaum, a city by the sea, a major trade route in Jesus’ day.
Why is relocating to a trade route important? Because people are always coming and going. Anyone impacted by Jesus’ life and ministry could then take the light of Christ with them and share it with others.
That’s been the reason I’ve been sharing these Advent devotionals: in the hopes that you’d be positively impacted by the light of Christ and that you’d share that light with others.
May God grant us the grace to see this great light and the new day that is dawning.
Merry Christmas!
