Isaiah 60:1-6 (NRSV)
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Chapter 60Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Verse 2For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Verse 3Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Verse 4Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses' arms. Verse 5Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. Verse 6A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
Devotion
Darkness and light have long been themes associated with the Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus. On Christmas Eve we heard that the people who lived in darkness had seen a great light. Christmas is about the light of God coming into the world to scatter the darkness of our sinful brokenness. On the Day of Epiphany, Sunday, January 6, we will hear this prophecy from Isaiah, announcing, "Your light has come," and encouraging us to "arise [and] shine" in confident hope. The light of God which came that first Christmas was meant to be a spark that ignited a whole people — indeed, all the nations. We are called to join our Lord in shining forth the love and grace of God, meant for all the creation.
Prayer
Lord of light, ignite my heart by the light of your love, that I too might shine for others to see and that through me, they might know the true light, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.