Thursday, January 5, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading
Isaiah 60:1–6

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 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. 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 on their nurses’ arms. 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. 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. (NRSV)

Reflection

This can be a rough time of year. The holidays are over and there are at least two, and probably three, more months of winter. We’re only getting nine to ten hours of daylight, which means darkness is quite literally covering our corner of the earth for more than half the day. And for many people, that darkness during this time of the year is figurative as well. It’s hard to be joyful, optimistic, or motivated when it’s dark and cold outside.

And yet this coming season of Epiphany encourages us to turn our downcast gaze upward to the Star of Bethlehem, to the light that drew the magi to baby Jesus and revealed Christ to the world. It’s a good reminder that no matter the length or depth of the darkness, there will always be a light if we look to the Messiah.  

Prayer

As I embark on another new year, O Lord, help me to see your light among the darkness and reflect it out into the world so that others can see and be drawn to the brightness of your dawn. Amen.

Written by Nicole Spirgen, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church  

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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