Into the darkness Isaiah spoke to a people returning from exile, a people who needed to know the light would once again shine in their land and in their hearts. You can read more about Isaiah on this page: Vision of Restoration
Into the darkness of Bethlehem, a little baby was born and his mother and father called him Jesus. We know this baby born under the light of the stars as Emmanuel, God With Us! Mary and Joseph needed to know this child would be safe and warm.
Into the darkness, we human beings have always walked ... in times of loss and despair. Just as the exiles of Israel, just like Mary and Joseph, we have a need to know that light will shine when darkness comes! Epiphany can be a day we celebrate the Light above all lights! Jesus, God in Christ.
Come and read Isaiah’s message to the exiles of Israel and the exiles among us today, even yourself.
Remember the exiles, remember refugees all over the world, remember those you know who are sitting in darkness right now, remember your own darkness. Just sit with your "remembering" right now and breathe a gentle breath prayer for the world:
Breathe in … Come, Light (pause)
Breath out … of the World, Come (pause)
Now, read Isaiah 60:1-6 with the "ear of your heart" using Lectio Divina:
1. Breathe and listen deeply to each phrase of the poetry as you read the text slowly, savoring it in all of it's beauty. Focus your attention on the sense of the passage as you hear it. Perhaps there is a word or phrase full of meaning for you on your own journey right now. Take a deep breath and move on when you are ready ... (Read the text slowly)
Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
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.
Nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
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.
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.
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.
Movement 1 (Read) and repeat your word or phrase several times. Let the words sink into your soul. What word or phrase is most full of meaning for you where you are in your life right now?
2. Read the text slowly again ... As you read, listen for the still small voice of the text whispering to you, “Here I am, where are you?” Where is God calling your attention? Sit with the “word” God has for you … it can be from the text itself OR it can be a different word or phrase that has arisen from the text. Take a deep breath and move on when you are ready ...
Movement 2 (Reflect) How does this “meaning-full” word illuminate your life today?
3. Read the text slowly again. How do you offer your prayers and your life to God today? Respond to God with prayers of light and love ... sing praises, whisper confessions, laugh gratitude, breathe in discernment, breathe out commitment ... whatever emerges from within you as you pray. Take a deep breath and move on when you are ready …
Movement 3 (Respond) How do you offer your prayers and your life to God today?
4. Rest in the gentle silence of God's presence. Breathe in the light of God. As you move on, breathe out the love of God upon the world!
Movement 4 (Rest) Breathe … Breathe … Breathe … Amen
If music is a pathway to God's Presence for you, listen to this prayerful refrain on Youtube called The Light of Christ has come into the World. Close your eyes and listen or watch the montage of "lights."
Deep Peace and
May the Light of Christ
shine upon you! Cindy
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