Arise, Shine

Sunday, January 8, 2023
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Listen while you read: "The Day Of Resurrection"1 (Lyrics)

Isaiah 60:1-2 – 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. (NRSV)

I have a friend who is SAD, and she has a really hard time coping with the consequences. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically occurs each year during fall and winter. While many just speak about having the winter blahs or the February blues, she has a severe case. For my friend, this is a serious crisis that often puts her in life-or-death situations.

What helps SAD most is … light! Epiphany is about light! Many think that SAD is triggered by the lessening light of the fall and winter. The season of Epiphany speaks of God bringing both light and presence. For Christians, both of these come through Jesus Who is the light of the world and the presence of God among us. Epiphany focusses on the whole wide world and the desperate need for light among all peoples.

Might you bring light to those who are sad around you, those who suffer from the lack of light in their lives?

Prayer: God, when shadows block the light in our lives, may we hold on to the promise that Your light will arise upon us and Your glory will appear over us when we need it most. Thank You, in the name of the light of the world, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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About the author:

Kenn Stright <kennethstright@yahoo.ca>
West Petpeswick, Nova Scotia, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Amen Kenn.


    Thanks for the encouraging words, Kenn.


    Your message is timely for me as we’re learning about epiphany in Sunday school this morning. Thanks and blessings, Kenn!


    Thank you Kenn for another very good and very assuring message today. Yes the “light of the Lord” is certainly a bright guiding treasure in our daily lives. Blessings for these special writings you do.


    Thank you for your challenge to let our light shine. It also reminded of one of my underlined verses…2 Samuel 22:29…”You, LORD, are my lamp; the LORD turns my darkness into light.” I need the light of God’s word every day.


    Great message! We all need to be more aware of SAD in the lives of people around us. Thank you for shedding light on this.
    May each of us bring His light to dark souls. Thank you for sharing!


    Love it, Kenn! I have a bit of that too, but God’s Word, taken regularly, memorized, and acted upon is the cure.
    “Do not be conformed … but be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind” Romans 12:2
    All blessings on your DD ministry in 2023!


    Good morning Kenn,
    SAD and depression are terrible problems because they work against the person who might be trying to do the things that might help, and it fights you. Unless you know someone well who has these diseases, it is hard for us to understand the difference in the depth of their feelings. They run in my family and I work hard to understand with their help to truly know the difference. It is hard on everyone.
    Thank you for sharing and reminding us to look around us and reach out and share the LIGHT. We never know what difference it might make in someone else’s situation. Best wishes for 2023.


    Thanks, Kenn. My daughter moved to Arizona because of this. Thanks for pointing out our part in helping others.

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