January 3 2021 Isaiah 60.1-6 Arise and Shine Pastor Jacqueline Hines

Continuing in the spirit of Christmas, let’s listen to Donna playing a reminder of Jesus birth in our hearts.

Our scripture lesson is from the prophet Isaiah 60.1-6

60Arise, 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.

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Most of us who look up at the stars just enjoy looking from time to time. Some of us actually study the stars. People like astronomer Derrick Pitts 

 search the heavens day and night, discovering and rediscovering a world of repeated patterns and constellations.

From the beginning of time, stars have guided adventurous travelers, the lost, those who were running away from something bad and those hoping for something good.

In every case we look into the darkness in order to see the light of the moon, the stars, and the sun. We long for the light. Light gives us hope. Light rejuvenates us and signals to us that good things are on the horizon.

On the other hand, darkness is a good thing when we want to relax or sleep without being distracted by light. There are therapeutic deprivation tanks also called isolation tanks that try to optimize relaxation.

They are designed to eliminate or at least minimize all sensory input – light, sound, touch, etc.. The tank involves a light-proof, sound-proof, pitch-black tank that contains water with Epsom salt to relieve pain and to make floating mindless and effortless. The tank is designed to be a distraction-free zone that calms anxiety and alleviates depression.

When a person goes into an isolation tank to block out all sensation in order to rest their mind and body, they choose to do so as a therapeutic intervention. However, sensory deprivation that is forced or extended can result in extreme anxiety, hallucinations, bizarre thoughts, temporary senselessness, and depression. It is a good thing that we have God’s presence in the darkness.

Darkness is a part of our human experience. We can even say with confidence that just like physical darkness, spiritual darkness comes EVERY DAY. Spiritual darkness can be as regular as the physical darkness we experience.

At times our day is eclipsed

and the lights may go out and we may experience darkness unexpectedly, unpredictably, and interminably. We may also know times and places where darkness is more… or less…. Alaska has more daylight than night.

We celebrate the light because light is most often a welcome relief. But, let us remember that God is with us even in our darkest nights. God is present in our midnight moments. God is good on the grayest day. As we approach this New Year, it is a good to think about this God we serve and worship. It is good particularly to reflect on our relationship with God who is with us 24/7.

Are there meaningful conversations between us and God? How much of it is sweet talk?  How much is praise? Are there any angry demands? Requests? Hidden agendas? Do we dare share our dreams? Little dreams as well as big dreams? Is there any confession and repentance going on in our conversation with God? Any serving or sacrificing? Listening? Hiding? Mumbling mean words? Bad words? Arguing? Laughing? Peace? Joy? How is it between us and God?

Experts say that we may have some dark days ahead with covid-19 in spite of the light and lift experienced because of the new vaccines. We celebrate the light, but what should we be doing in the darkness?

Isaiah tells us what to do. He says we should arise and shine. For our light has come.  

Nations and kings will come to the people of God because we are bright with a wonderful light.

So whatever dark day or miserable moment you are experiencing today, or on any day, God’s got you! Arise and shine for you have enough light to see all the good that God has in store for your every situation. There is enough light in you and on you to bring hope and help in every rancorous relationship. There is a healing light for every health hazard that may come your way this year. There is hope shining in the distance for every place you may feel helpless or confused. There is comfort and meaning in every way you may mourn. God’s got you…in the palm of God’s hands.

Arise and shine…get up, look up, pray up, stand up and keep up and in step with Jesus on the journey. Whether you find yourself at the foot of the cross or kneeling before God’s throne of grace and mercy, arise and shine!! Just do it!

A friend shared a song with me this week that was a great comfort. It is called “All the Way My Savior Leads Me.”

 All the way my Savior leads me

What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His faithful mercies?

Who through life has been my guide

Heavenly peace divinest comfort

Ere by faith in Him to dwell

For I know whate'er befall me

Jesus doeth all things well.

 

Let us pray.  Lord, God almighty, as we begin this New Year, we do not know what the future holds, but we thank you that we know who holds the future. We put our hand in your hand. Help us to hold on. Help us to keep the faith, to do our part in our relationship with you and with one another. Deliver us from the coronavirus. Deliver us from fear, dread, worry, anxiety, stress, nervousness and tension. Bless the preachers, teachers, leaders, and missionaries of every nation and station that they would be a blessing to those who need it most.

May you find many reasons to praise and give God thanks this day and always.

Next week we go to the gospel of Mark 1.4-11 with the message “Arise and Repent.” If you would like to make your contribution to the great ministry and mission of Bethel. God Bless you!