6 January 2022 The Epiphany of the Lord

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.

From Isaiah 60:1-6, NRSV

These stirring words from the prophet Isaiah came at the time of redemption for the people of Israel. They had lived through some very dark and difficult days: through exile in Babylon, a difficult return to a ruined city and to opposition to the restoration of the temple. Isaiah is telling the people that these days are behind them and that great things lie ahead. Now is the time to “arise” both physically and spiritually. They no longer need to be downcast since they have the light of God shining on them. This light will make Jerusalem a place to which others are drawn – even kings from afar will come bringing rare and expensive gifts. Whilst Jerusalem did enjoy a time of renewal, the glory promised by Isaiah remained partly dimmed by the continuing oppression of occupying forces.  As we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany, we see that the promised light as a symbol for the coming of Christ into the world. The nations of the world – as represented by the Magi – were drawn by this new light. Isaiah’s vision of a light so irresistible as to draw all people was now fulfilled.

• • Why was the promise of light so important for the people of Isaiah’s time?
  • Why does the church celebrate the Feast of Epiphany?

As you go about your daily tasks, be aware of the situations into which you can help to bring the light of Christ.