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1 "Get out of bed, Jerusalem! Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight. God's bright glory has risen for you. 2 The whole earth is wrapped in darkness, all people sunk in deep darkness, But God rises on you, his sunrise glory breaks over you. 3 Nations will come to your light, kings to your sunburst brightness. 4 Look up! Look around! Watch as they gather, watch as they approach you: Your sons coming from great distances, your daughters carried by their nannies. 5 When you see them coming you'll smile - big smiles! Your heart will swell and, yes, burst! All those people returning by sea for the reunion, a rich harvest of exiles gathered in from the nations! 6 And then streams of camel caravans as far as the eye can see, young camels of nomads in Midian and Ephah, Pouring in from the south from Sheba, loaded with gold and frankincense, preaching the praises of God. (Isaiah 60:1-6 The Message)
Dear Friend, a most blessed day with the Lord be yours today and all days is my prayer for you. I pray this time with God will bless you and me with all we need to help win the world for Jesus!
I don't know about you but as a child I disliked naps. I attended Kindergarten in Kingsville and I know that nap time was not an option I would have chosen for myself. And when I attended my first youth camp, a one week camp at Mt. Wesley Methodist Encampment in Kerrville, Texas, at age 12, I was exposed to a regimented schedule that included a one-hour time slot activity immediately after lunch called Horizontal Hour. It was a nap time! Of course, no one napped, but we were confined to our cabins and the leaders tried to keep us in our bunks. And at night there was a mandatory lights out. If you hand't finished what you were doing, too bad, all the lights in camp were turned off and the leaders walked around with flashlights trying to find those who were trying to sneak off. Now that I am of a certain age, I love naps! And my bed has become one of the most favorite locations in my home. Sleeping no longer seems like an enemy to me.
Here is a passage that deals with those who have found themselves in spiritual darkness; Ephiphany was God turning on the light.
In the days leading up to the Epiphany, we remember the journey of the wise men, who followed a star to find the Christ child. This journey was a pursuit of divine revelation—an epiphany. They were not only seeking a king, but they were seeking God’s glory revealed in the flesh.
Isaiah 60 speaks to the heart of this theme: the dawning of God's glorious light over the earth. Israel, once cloaked in darkness, will now rise in glory because of God's presence. "Arise, shine!" is a call for the people of God to awaken and reflect His light, for God’s presence will draw all nations to Him. Even in a world covered in deep darkness, God's light will shine so brightly that it will attract people from all corners of the earth.
The wise men who came to Jesus were not the only ones drawn by this light; God’s glory is not just for Israel but for all nations. The imagery in this passage is rich with promise: the wealth of the nations, the coming of kings and treasures, the return of God’s people from distant lands. All are drawn to the light that shines from God’s glory.
This Epiphany, we are reminded that we are called to reflect that same light of Christ. Just as the wise men followed the star, we are called to follow the light of Christ in our own lives. We are not only called to behold God’s light but also to share it with others.
In a world still marred by darkness—whether in our personal lives, our communities, or the world at large—God has entrusted us with the mission of shining His light to those around us. This light is not a passive light; it is a beacon, a call, a bright display of the glory and goodness of God.
We are also reminded that the light of Christ is not just for us alone. The nations are coming, and it is our mission to welcome them. The Epiphany season invites us to see beyond our borders, beyond our comfort zones, and recognize that God's love is universal. This is the season to share the Good News of Christ with those who might not yet know Him.
PRAYER: Loving God, We thank You for the light of Your glory that shines through the darkness of our world. We thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be the Light that leads us to salvation. This Epiphany season, we pray that we would arise and shine with Your love, joy, and peace. May we be reflectors of Your goodness and invite others to come and know Your glory. We pray for those who are still in darkness, that they might be drawn to the light of Christ. May Your presence be our guide, and may Your glory fill our hearts as we seek to shine in this world. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: This week, take a moment to reflect on how you can be a light to someone who may be struggling in darkness—whether through an act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or simply offering a listening ear. Let the light of Christ in you shine brightly, so that others may be drawn to His glory.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
