Wellspring of the Gospel

Feast of the Epiphany

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6

A promise made hundreds of years before comes to fulfilment in the birth of Jesus.

The wise men saw a star rising in the east and recognised that a new king had been born and came to visit him. What they had perhaps not realised that this was not just an heir to an earthly throne but someone even greater. For Jesus is the light of the world - rising above the land of Israel - shining upon a world still in darkness but yearning for that light.

This light will draw all people to itself - nations and their kings will come to it and sing praises to the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the generations that followed them.

For many people, the Messiah was seen as saviour of the Jewish people - indeed, many still wait for him. But Isaiah is predicting that the Light of the World will rise over Israel but will be given to enlighten all nations. For it is not only the Jews who were "walking in darkness" in years past who were to see light shining up on them: all those living in the shadow of death - of war - of suffering - upon them God's light has shone.

Out of one country - at one time in history - a child was born. But his destiny was to be a light to all the nations and for all time.


What does it mean for me?

Waterlily Where in the world do you detect darkness covering the peoples - and where people are yearning for light?

Spend time with this reading and pray that the Light of the World will shine in the dark places of the world to bring peace and joy to the nations.

Text © 2007 Wellspring

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