Luke 1:79, “To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
This prophecy was given to Zechariah on account of Christ for you. Christ came for those who are dwelling in darkness and death. Whether depression or illness, Christ came to give you light and life.
I have suffered with depression my entire life. Whilst a low dosage of antidepressant medication helps, Jesus is my greatest healer—His Word and what He has done gives me joy and hope. As a poet, I have written many poems describing my depression. Here is one poem that describes well the healing Christ has brought me:
No. 1566, A Journey in the Dark
I fell into a pit of despair
and found myself wandering
in a cold, dark, desolate terrain, —
lost in the dark desert of depression.Yet You met me in the midst
of my dark, desolate terrain
in the wilderness of despair,
and created life all around me.You came and brought forth
rich springs of life.
You are my grand oasis
in the centre of my desert.
Depression is an every day battle; I will always have it. Yet Christ is there in the middle of my depression every single day, giving me life and light.
Whether you face darkness or death, Jesus came to give you light and life. Yet only partially in this life; He will give you full light and full life in the life to come. If you are facing darkness or death this Advent and Christmas season, look to Christ the giver of light and life, and His fullness that is soon to come.
The Lutheran Column 