Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 60:2-3 (NRSV).
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. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
The Book of Isaiah has many references to the coming of the Messiah. One of the clearest is found in Isaiah 9:6 where we read “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The coming of Jesus brings the light of God’s love to all people.
In John’s Gospel we hear “All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:3-5). In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus tells us “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14).
When Isaiah writes “nations shall come to your light” he is talking about living out the example we are given and sharing the Good News. The phrase “they’ll know we are Christians by our love” is more than a line from an old hymn, it is a command from Jesus Himself that we love one another and reflect His light.
Heavenly Father, You sent us Your Son that we might see what a life in You is about. Help us to share the blessing of a connection to You with all our brothers and sisters. Amen.
