01/08/2025 – “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8
Read Isaiah 60:1-6 + Psalm 72:12-19
Then You Shall See
“Deople of all ages, not just children, are afraid of the dark
– How many of us are more nervous to take a familiar walking route once the sun has set? The darkness brings different sounds and shadows; our thoughts match what we can’t see. And that’s only physical darkness.
The darkness of sin and evil is much worse. It brings oppression, violence, weakness, and need. Humanity gropes in this corrupting darkness, hurting, stealing, attempting to save itself. This all leads to more darkness and death. We are overcome with this thick darkness.
But look! Light has come! The darkness cannot overcome it because the light is the glory of the Lord. The darkness of sin and death is defeated because Jesus is the light of the world. When we follow Him, we “will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
When the darkness of this world threatens us, we look to Jesus to be “a lamp to [our] feet and a light to [our) path” (Psalm 119:105). When He comes again in glory, to gather us to Himself, we, too, will be radiant, and darkness will be gone (see Revelation 21:23).
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory! Amen and Amen!” (Psalm 72:18-19).”
______________________________________
Soli Deo Gloria!