Divine Glory Shining Through God’s People
Daily Scripture
Isaiah 60:1–6
1 Arise! Shine! Your light has come;
the Lord’s glory has shone upon you.
2 Though darkness covers the earth
and gloom the nations,
the Lord will shine upon you;
God’s glory will appear over you.
3 Nations will come to your light
and kings to your dawning radiance.
4 Lift up your eyes and look all around:
they are all gathered; they have come to you.
Your sons will come from far away,
and your daughters on caregivers’ hips.
5 Then you will see and be radiant;
your heart will tremble and open wide,
because the sea’s abundance will be turned over to you;
the nations’ wealth will come to you.
6 Countless camels will cover your land,
young camels from Midian and Ephah.
They will all come from Sheba,
carrying gold and incense,
proclaiming the Lord’s praises.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
This prophetic poem first addressed Israelites after their return from exile in Babylon. God was with them and called the returned Israelites to be a light to others. Scholar David McKenna noted: “The light of the glory of God did not arise upon Jerusalem so that its people could bask with self-indulgence in its splendor. As always, the glory of God’s presence is given for the purpose of glorifying Him through service to others.” * Christians have long read this passage during Epiphany because it spoke of “nations” coming “to your light” and “kings to your dawning radiance.”
- The prophet did not call God’s people to be glorious on their own. Instead, he wrote, “the Lord will shine upon you; God’s glory will appear over you.” God’s light and love—most fully revealed in Jesus—was to shine through them to reach nations and kings. In what ways can you more fully take in God’s glory and love so that it shines out through you to those around you?
- Verse 2 spoke to Israel’s situation (cf. Isaiah 59:9-10)—and one every generation seems to face. Even amid the hopeful glow of a New Year, to what extent would you say “darkness covers the earth and gloom the nations”? Consider:
–Which of God’s people most consistently shine the light of God’s love for you at the darkest times, and in what ways?
–Who are the hurting people whose lives God wants to brighten through you right now?
Prayer
Prayer: Lord Jesus, when the world seems the scariest and ugliest, shine your light in and through me. In place of gloom, give me a spirit that shines, not only in holiday seasons but all year round. Amen.
GPS Insights
Denise Mersmann
Denise Mersmann, who serves as the Care Coordination Director for the church wide Care Central department at Church of the Resurrection, wrote today's Insights.
Yesterday a flashback to January 1st, 2013, popped up on my social media. I made an offer to “surprise” with a gift the first five people who responded to my post and were willing to make the same offer of surprising five more people. These surprise gifts could happen anytime during the next year and could be anything.
I had completely forgotten about this until the memory popped up. As I thought back to the people I gifted, the overwhelming memory was how excited each person was to receive their present. And how great it felt to come up with something specific and personal for each person-–some close friends, some more distant acquaintances.
I decided, in a time when many people are struggling, having trouble finding hope, and feeling alone, that I would do it again. I posted the offer and within a couple of hours I had my five recipients! And more importantly, these five more people had posted their offers to bless others.
If this chain stops here, 30 people are going to get a little gift to brighten their day. But what if it doesn’t stop there? What if the second group of five each get five more? Suddenly we have 155 people who have been blessed with a little treat, something that says, “I’m thinking of you” during the next year.
Thinking about this silly little game reminds me of Candlelight Christmas Eve. One candle lights the next one and on and on until light fills the space. In that moment, when all the candles are lit, I know that I had some very small part in bringing the light.
We all have a part in bringing the light in life, too. Not just on Christmas Eve, but every day. It may be a box of sugar cookies, a note reminding someone you are praying for them, an invitation to dinner, a book that you love, whatever you think will spark joy.
Whether you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution or just thinking about how you show up in the world, I challenge you to pull out your calendar and add a reminder to do something every month to brighten someone’s day. It doesn’t have to be much, and I promise your day will be brighter as well. If you decide to participate, I would love to hear about it!
Oh, and just something to ponder . . . if this blessing game goes one more round, we will be treating close to 1,000 people. And that is pretty awesome.
© 2026 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References
* David Mc. Kenna, The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 18: Isaiah 40–66. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1994, p. 228.
