Scripture Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6 & Mathew 2:1-11
Our Scripture readings invite us to reflect on the divine light and the glory of the Lord revealed to us through the birth of Jesus Christ.
In Isaiah 60, God’s people had returned to their city and had tried to rebuild it and the temple, but their hopes and dreams had not materialized. Despair and frustration began to set in, but God was going to act for them. The darkness of despair and defeat would cover the earth, but God would shine his glory upon them. The light of His glory would extend to other nations, and foreigners would come to worship at the temple, accepted by God. God would glorify His people by bringing them back to His house of worship.
Today’s text begins by addressing a people dwelling in darkness, a world overshadowed by despair and sin. In many ways, our world today can still resonate with this description. However, Isaiah’s word is not one of hopelessness but a call to transformation, seeking the light of God’s presence.
The prophet urges us to “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” This is a powerful declaration of the arrival of God’s presence and the manifestation of His glory. In times of darkness, God calls His people to rise above circumstances, knowing that His light will dispel the shadows. God restores his people to righteous living and glorious worship and sends them to others.
As believers, we are not merely recipients of God’s glory but vessels through which His light shines. We are called to reflect the glory of the Lord in our lives, allowing His love, grace, and truth to illuminate the darkness around us. May we arise and shine and serve the Lord with joy, even during the dark and difficult hours.
In Matthew’s Gospel, we encounter the story of the Magi who followed a star, seeking the newborn King. God led the Gentiles through the star to the place of Jesus’ birth. They probably journeyed many months from Mesopotamia to Jerusalem. Their journey reflects divine revelation and a recognition of the glory of the Lord.
Matthew’s gospel shows both Jewish readers and us that the Messiah was coming as a gift from God to all nations, not just to the Jews. In contrast to the indifference of Jewish chief priests and scribes who should have anticipated the king’s birth, those Gentiles were overwhelmed with joy.
God’s plan is to bless His people through His everlasting covenant, and His salvation through Jesus is for all people. May we seize opportunities to share our faith in Christ with others, exercising wisdom in reaching out to those who are not believers.
Herod aimed to find the newborn king, wanting to remove the messianic hope he considered as potential competition. However, God’s protection of Jesus in his childhood proves Him to be the promised Saviour for all nations. No one can stop God’s plans. Despite the earthly ruler’s attempts to eradicate the newborn king, the brightest light continues to shine or intensify even in the darkest circumstances. May we place our trust in God’s protective care and timing.
Herod’s reaction to the news of a new king highlights the contrast between worldly power and the divine glory. Earthly rulers may fear the advent of God’s kingdom, but the glory of the Lord cannot be contained or stopped.
The Magi’s response to finding the Christ-child is one of worship and extravagant giving. Their gifts symbolize the acknowledgment of Jesus’ kingship and the offering of our best to the glory of the Lord. May we respond to the king as the Magi did, with great joy and devotion.
In our lives, we are often confronted with darkness, whether it be personal struggles, social challenges, or global crises. The call to “Arise and shine” is a call to embrace the light of God’s presence, allowing His truth to guide our steps. May we arise and shine in Christ today.
As we reflect on the story of the Magi, let us consider the gifts we offer to Christ. Are we presenting our talents, resources, and time in worship and services? Reflecting God’s glory involves actively participating in His redemptive work in the world. May we humbly make ourselves available and ready to be used by God, allowing him to accomplish his purposes through us.
Just as the Magi shared the news of the Savior’s birth, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ. We can tell someone else the experience we had when God became our personal Saviour and Redeemer. He wants His people to be a light to all peoples of the world. In doing so, we become beacons of God’s glory, leading others to the transformative light found in Christ alone.
As we meditate on Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 2:1-12, let us respond to the call to “Arise and shine,” confident that the glory of the Lord is with us. May our lives be a testimony to the transformative power of God’s light, and may we, like the Magi, worship and offer our all to the newborn King. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of all God’s promises to us.
The church is also an instrument to share God’s presence and glory to a world shrouded in the darkness of war, violence, hatred, poverty, and despair. Despite the world’s indifference to those, the church can arise and shine, acting under the trust that God is still at work through individuals, churches, and wider communities, offering light, healing, and reconciliation to the world.
God calls us as His people and church to give hope and peace to the world’s hopeless, and His light shining through us will be a beacon to all nations. The darkness shall not last, for God’s light rises in our lives and communities. As we step into this new year, may we embrace God’s light, reflect God’s glory, share the Good News, experience God’s blessings and everlasting joy, and show God’s splendour to the world.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)