Arise, Shine; For Your Light Has Come

This meditation is based on a passage for February 10, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Isaiah 60:1-22

Reflection and Question: Check out YouTube for the host of settings for the opening verses of this hugely uplifting promise of peace and prosperity for God’s people. The poet here speaks of “everlasting light” and we know that has not come yet in this world. But there have been moments in history — flashes of harmony among nations and between humans — that sustain our trust in this vision of what God has in store for us. The traditional picture of heaven draws upon this passage and so helps us face death with less fear. Is heaven a prophecy about this world or the next for you? Why?