“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” (Isaiah 60:1-3, ESV)
Although Isaiah is prophesying encouragement to the Jews going into exile in Babylon, his words foretell the Incarnation of Christ Jesus as well as the visit of the Magi, the feast we celebrate as Epiphany. Yet Epiphany also marks the fulfillment of God’s promise to grant salvation to all people. As the Magi were drawn by the light of the star to worship Jesus, so the glory of the Messiah is the light of the world that draws all men and women to Him. He comes to save those who are living in darkness, that is, all peoples of the earth not just the Jews. He speaks the truth that dispels the darkness of the devil’s lies that have enslaved all sinners and all who worship false gods. His light brings the bright glory of God’s salvation and His kingdom.
This glory is a case of “already but not yet” fulfillment. It was not fulfilled when the exiles returned from Babylon. It was not fulfilled at the time of Jesus’ birth or resurrection from the dead although it dawned then. The church is the beginning of the fulfillment of the glorious kingdom of God, but the complete fulfillment awaits God’s time of choosing.
Isaiah portrays this new kingdom as a new act of creation. Genesis 1 tells us that when God created the heavens and the earth He created them by dispelling the darkness on the face of the deep. Here He creates His kingdom by dispelling the darkness of sin. In the new Kingdom all will be light for God will be there. As we await that day with hope, we are to let His light shine through us to all peoples so they may know of the love of God who offers forgiveness, mercy, and eternal life to all.