The Dawning of the Great Light!

People in England and Germany who lived through World War II can remember the gloominess of blackouts where no lights were allowed at night so as not to help the enemy's bombers locate their targets. Imagine, no lights allowed in the home, on the streets, in stores. Even government vehicles drove around at night, if they had to, with most of the headlamps taped up. After the war, when lights were again allowed at night, people speak of how with the return of light the gloom and despair lifted and went away. Perhaps that will give us some sense of the image in both Isaiah and Matthew that is conveyed by these words, "the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." ...