I hear the Word of God.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.  See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”  Isaiah 60: 1 – 3

This is how chapter 60 opens, following the litany of judgement – “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.  Your lips have spoken falsely, and your tongue mutters wicked things.  No one calls for justice; no one pleads a case with integrity.”  As the Scriptures says, “Thick darkness is over the peoples.” 

Then, in the darkness the light appears!  His name is Jesus the promised Christ. God has not deserted his people. He will shine on them with redemption and hope.  On those who love him with all their hearts and do his bidding the glory of the Lord, the Light of lights, will appear over them.  They will shine so brightly with His light that the nations will know that blessed salvation has appeared for all mankind.

When we got up this morning it was dreary outside but soon the clouds will part and the warm sun of promise will shine.  So it is in our lives of faith – we know that the sun will shine and the earth will be glad to receive the gift of warmth and gladness. In our spirits, because of the atoning work of Jesus, we can experience the warmth and light of the Son of Righteousness always, now and forever.

Let us rise and shine for our Light has come.  Praise the Triune God this morning.