Arise, Shine
Scripture: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.”
— Isaiah 60.1-2
MAIN POINT: The light of Christ shines brightest against the backdrop of the world’s darkness.
Isaiah’s prophecy paints a vivid picture: thick darkness covering the earth and its peoples, and then—light. Not a gradual dawn, but a sudden arising. “The glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”
This is the context into which the Magi came. The world was dark. Herod plotted murder. Religious leaders who knew the Scriptures failed to seek the Messiah. Darkness covered the land. And into this darkness, a star appeared. Light broke through.
The Magi followed that light. They traveled far, not knowing exactly what they would find, but drawn irresistibly toward the source of the brightness. When they arrived, they did not find a palace or a throne room. They found a child with His mother in a house. And they worshiped.
Isaiah continues: “Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising” (Isaiah 60:3). The Magi were the firstfruits of this promise—Gentiles streaming toward the light of Israel’s Messiah.
The darkness of our world can feel overwhelming. But Epiphany reminds us that light shines brightest against the darkest backdrop. The glory of the Lord has risen. The light has come. And that light continues to draw people from every nation to worship the King.
Reflection: Light is most visible in darkness. Where do you see spiritual darkness in the world around you? How might you be a bearer of Christ’s light in those dark places?
PRAYER: Lord of light, in a world covered with darkness, help me see the brightness of Your glory. Make me a bearer of Your light to those still walking in shadows. Let Your glory be seen through me. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
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