And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.” Revelation 21:22-25
John is given a fuller vision of the new heavens and the new earth in Revelation chapters 21-22. He notes that in the New Jerusalem, there is no sun or moon or night because the Lamb who was slain is the light. Into this city, stream the kings of the earth with their offerings and the nations of the earth walk by the light of Christ. Throughout this Epiphany season, we once again marvel at God’s revealing of Jesus to be a source of light and hope for all peoples.
The celebration of the Lord’s Supper within the Divine Service is described as a foretaste of the great feast that John foresaw in his vision. Fittingly, we lift our voices with Simeon in praise of Christ, the Light for the nations and in the confidence that we can depart this earthly life in the Lord’s peace. At the communion rail is the closest fulfillment this side of eternity that we have to John’s vision of the nations walking by the Light of Christ, gathered with His name sealed upon them in baptism and receiving the foretaste of the feast to come. However, in the resurrection on the last day, we can look forward to the fulfillment of this prophecy and the nations of the earth whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life are gathered around the Lamb, who is the true and only Light.
Our congregations strive for each Divine Service to be a glimpse of heaven as the saints, from every tribe and language and people and nation are gathered around Jesus, seated on His throne. We pray that Jesus would come among us through Word and Sacrament for all who gather and that through the Holy Spirit, many more would be gathered into His holy city. Finally, we pray that Jesus would come quickly and usher in the day when “night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” (Rev. 22:5) Until that day, may Jesus continue to draw the nations to the light of His love while we wait for His coming again. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Prayer - O Lord, keep Your family the Church continually in the true faith that, relying on the hope of Your heavenly grace, we may ever be defended by Your mighty power; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan