Christmas Devotions
Monday, January 5
Isaiah 60:1-6
1 Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
2 For darkness shall cover the earth
and thick darkness the peoples,
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will appear over you.
3 Nations shall come to your light
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
4 Lift 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 in their nurses’ arms.
5 Then 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.
6 A 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.
“… 3 Nations shall come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn….”
There is something about rising early in the morning to see the sunrise. At the church camp where I’ve spent many nights, there is a specific location where it’s possible to watch the sun come up over the mountains. It is glorious, and like a magnet, it draws me that I may greet the dawn of a new day.
Isaish tells us that the light of God’s presence is like that early morning sunrise. It draws people to it. Its brilliance is so engaging that even royals yearn to be surrounded by its glory. Nations recognize the power of the coming light and instinctively follow where it leads. This is the grace and hope God offers to all.
In the midst of our world which increasingly seems intent on wallowing in darkness, it is good to know that the Light still comes, and that it still draws people to it. Like the flame of a single candle in a darkened room, the glory of God beckons us to come near because we know that its glow will bring hope. We trust that its warmth will illicit joy. That its brightness will render peace.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come!” Isaiah writes. “Come” is the invitation. Know the joy, hope, and peace God provides.
Prayer: God of Light, Your brilliance shines in the darkness of our world. Draw me close that I may experience Your joy, hope, and peace this day and always. Amen.