Arise And Shine, Your Light Has Come

 Daily Disciples

By Rev Kenneth Mtata 

6 January 2022

Today's texts: 

Isaiah 60:1-6 

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 

Ephesians 3:1-12 

Matthew 2:1-12

"Light" is one of the strongest images used in the Old and New testaments to express knowledge and goodness. On the other hand, "darkness"  represents ignorance and evil.

The period when the relationship between God and his people was not good is presented as that of ignorance and evil, hence a period of darkness. Just like at creation, where darkness covered the depth of the waters, so in this period of separation,  "darkness covers the earth" (Isaiah 60:2). 

In the history of the Jewish people,  this darkness had always increased where the religious and political leaders of the people had led the nations astray. Herod is presented in the New Testament as an example. He is afraid of the coming messiah whom he sees ad threatening his throne. But in reality, Herod has been leading his nation in darkness because he colluded with the Romans who economically exploited the people as well as spiritually impoverishment the nation through the Roman idolatry.

At the coming of the messiah, darkness causing  ignorance of God is overcome.

Jesus is not only revealed by the star that guide the three (wise) gentile men searching for him. He is the light that discloses God and his kingdom of love, peace and justice. With the three wise men we rejoice in this saving knowledge of Jesus.  So we also kneel down and worship him. We open our  "treasure chests" and offer him our special gifts (Matthew 2:12). We go out rejoicing to proclaim and demonstrate the light.

Prayer

God I pray that today I may shine bright because the light of Christ is in me. Today, let others see clearer the hidden mystery of your salvation in Jesus through me.

AMEN.