“And now the Lord says… ‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’”

Isaiah 49:5-6

Simeon’s words as he held the infant Christ in his arms also called to mind the above words of Isaiah the prophet. It would be a small thing if the Messiah would only come to save the tribes of Jacob alone. Rather, the Father’s love for all humanity would cause Him to send His suffering servant to offer Himself as a beacon of light and the means of salvation for all the nations of the earth.

This promise also finds its fulfillment in every Divine Service when God’s salvation is delivered through Word and Sacrament to people from every nation. We are never worthy of the gifts of God on account of our sin, but it is in and through Christ that we receive such gifts. Christ alone is worthy! Yet, the light of Christ’s love has pierced the darkness of our hearts.

The God, who loved the world so much that He sent His only begotten Son to suffer and die on the cross, also desires that all would be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. This is why He promises that His salvation will reach to the ends of the earth. Therefore, God remains at work in the fulfillment of the prophecy through our congregations, missions, and bearing witness to Christ in our daily lives. May Christ be a light for the nations and may His salvation reach to the ends of the earth!

Prayer – Almighty God, You sent Your beloved Son to bring light and immortality to light. Bless the proclamation of the Gospel in every land that Your kingdom may be advanced and that Your salvation may reach to the very ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan