A Messiah from Nazareth

The feast of Epiphany (literally “appearance,” or “manifestation”) commemorates the visit of the wise men to the infant Jesus, and more broadly the revelation of Christ as “the true light” (John 1:9) and “a light for revelation to the gentiles” (Luke 2:32). Light is a consistent theme in traditional celebrations of Epiphany, and you’ll find that this morning’s service follows suit. The Scripture reading from Isaiah 60 declares that our light has come, and that nations will gather around to see it. The psalms remind us that “Light to the upright shall arise, though he in darkness be” (Alleluia! How Blest The Man—Psalm 112), and encourage us to turn our eyes “to eternal light” (I Will Lift My Voice—Psalm 101). We confess that Jesus is the “Light of the anxious heart” and the “Light of light, light’s living spring,” who shines brighter than “all the twinkling starry host” (Light Of The Anxious Heart; O Splendor Of God’s Glory Bright; Fairest Lord Jesus). The King Shall Come describes both Jesus’ first and second comings as days when “light triumphant breaks.” The service concludes with Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise, which ascribes praise to the “Great Father of Light.” There’s always a bit of uncertainty as we head into a new year: let’s look to the Savior who “dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere.”