As children, we can be scared of what hides in the darkness. As we grow, we befriend darkness - especially when it provides cover to the less desirable parts of our lives. The "deep darkness" that Isaiah presents is something different. Darkness can take on the power to steal our hope and fill us with fear. Only one kind of light can break through that kind of darkness. That is what comes to us in the birth of Jesus - unquenchable light for our darkest places and times.