Light for the Nations

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”  Luke 2:29-32

The season of Epiphany brings with it the beautiful image of Jesus as the light for revelation to the nations.  Though we are plunged in the darkness of terror and turmoil, warfare and hatred, Jesus Christ is the long-promised light who shines, who gives hope.  Throughout Isaiah’s prophecy we find repeated references to the One who is the light for the nations and who brings comfort to those who have only known life under a shroud of darkness that is life apart from Christ.

But aged Simeon takes Jesus up into his arms and breaks out to the words of consolation.  This Child is the fulfillment of all of the prophesies.  This Child is the One who has come to rescue and redeem the nations.  It would be too small a thing for Jesus to save only Israel.  Instead, He is a light even for the nations and His salvation will extend to the ends of the earth.  Christ is the light for all who live in darkness.  No matter what you have done or where you are from, the Child who Simeon holds is God’s source of hope and salvation for you.

The prophesies of Isaiah that the Messiah would be a light for the nations are also fulfilled in the coming of the Magi to worship the One who had been revealed to them by a star.  During this Epiphany session, we look to Jesus, the Light of the world.  We also pray that God’s kingdom would indeed be extended to the ends of the earth and that our congregations would be part of that mission to the nations.  Lastly, we give thanks that though we have walked in darkness, we have the great light, Christ Jesus, the Lord, who has shined upon us as revealed to us through His Word.  Thanks be to God for Jesus, the Light for the nations.

Prayer – O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan