kings to the brightness

Good morning or evening friends,
Today's reading is a prophesy of restoration for Israel. From exile and despair God will make Israel a beacon to other nations. We read this passage when we think about the Christian celebration of Epiphany or Three Kings Day. The connection is that the epiphany celebrates the visit of the wise men to see baby Jesus. That symbolizes that Jesus is the savior for the whole world, not just for Israel. Part of our job as Christians is to keep that same spirit of openness, to shine the light of Christ's love so people outside the church will see it. God wants everyone to be part of the family, so we need to open the doors wide so the world can come in.

God bless,
Sam

Isaiah 60:1-6

¹   Arise, shine; for your light has come,
          and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
²   For darkness shall cover the earth,
          and thick darkness the peoples;
     but the LORD will arise upon you,
          and his glory will appear over you.
³   Nations shall come to your light,
          and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

⁴   Lift up your eyes and look around;
          they all gather together, they come to you;
     your sons shall come from far away,
          and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
⁵   Then you shall see and be radiant;
          your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
     because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
          the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
⁶   A multitude of camels shall cover you,
          the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
          all those from Sheba shall come.
     They shall bring gold and frankincense,
          and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.