In the name of Jesus our Prince of Peace. Amen.

Another new year is rolling in. The start of January often means a dip in the temperature, frosted windows, and the crunch of boots on a shimmering, glazed blanket of snow. The fields lie quiet waiting for the thaw, and the trees stand like lifeless sentinels against the winter sky. It’s a quiet time, and a good time for reflection, as the amount of light we get lengthens each day. So here’s a couple questions:

1. What does light mean to you in this new year?

2. How could it guide and inspire you as we begin something new?

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? A lot of people focus on self-improvement this time of year. Eat better, exercise more, get organized, we’ve heard them all, and probably made them all.

What if, instead of just self-improvement, we looked for something greater, a deeper spiritual connection, a more faithful walk with Jesus, and a better focus on what really matters? What if we made an effort to strengthen and improve our faith, by standing in the Light—God’s light?

In Sunday School today the children will learn about Genesis which records:

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth… and God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.¹

I want you to see the similarities in: the light of creation and the Light of Christ. Both bring life and orientation to life. The light at creation wasn’t just physical illumination. It was the first step in God bringing order and life. He was transforming chaos into creation. As we enter this new year, we can see God’s light continuing provide life, and providing clear vision and hope in our own lives.

Next week we begin the Epiphany season and a series that will carry us through to Lent. In this series, titled: “Epiphany: A New Light” we will be reminded that Epiphany is the season of light. It’s the time when Jesus’ light breaks into our darkness, revealing who He is and what He has done for us. So what does it means to walk in His light as a new year’s resolution?

The Light Prophesied

Our first reading from Isaiah said:

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.²

Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in the incarnation of Christ. He is the Word made flesh.³ The Light of the world walked into our darkness, not as a feeble glowing ember on a dying candle, but as the all-powerful eternal presence of God with us. This connection from the ancient prophecy to New Testament Gospel shows us God’s faithfulness to His promises.⁴ Isaiah’s words are like a beacon of light shining across the centuries, pointing to the coming of: the Messiah of the Manger, the Light of the world.

This time of year we’re a bit more aware of the importance of light. During these shorter winter days we treasure every bit of sunlight we can get. Light doesn’t just illuminate; It transforms. It brings life, growth, and give orientation in our surroundings. It means we are no longer stumbling around in the dark.

From the account of creation, we know God’s light wasn’t limited to separating day from night. It was the foundation of life itself. Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us the Light of Christ changes us. It shines in the dark corners and closets of our lives, revealing our sin, but then more importantly bringing forgiveness. Just like a lamp in a winter storm can guide you safely home through the icy darkness, Jesus light leads us into hope. His light doesn’t just expose the brokenness, it illuminates the path to healing, grace and mercy. It’s not a light that burns. It is God’s gift of healing and life.

The Light Revealed

Matthew’s Gospel tells us about the Magi, the wise men, who followed the star to find the Christ Child.⁵ In their journey you might see the words of the Introit we used today, where kings bring tribute to honor the young Jesus, as foretold in Psalm 72:

May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to Him; may the kings of Sheba and Seba present Him gifts.⁶

The journey of the wise men opens our eyes to the global reach of Christ’s light, drawing people from every nation to worship the King of kings. These wise men traveled far, trusting the light of the star would lead them to the Savior. And it did. The star showed the world Jesus: the Light of the nations. That light calls people from every corner of the earth to come and worship the King of kings.

When you’re in the dark you need a good flashlight. The wise men’s journey is a reminder to keep our eyes on the true Light. Just like the star led them to Bethlehem, God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path⁷ showing us the way home.

Just like the light of creation reached every corner of the world, Jesus’ light now reaches every heart willing to learn from Him. The star guiding the wise men reflects the same divine purpose and power. To draw all of creation to its Creator and Redeemer.

This year I want to encourage you to keep your eyes on God by resolving to read His Word daily. Just as light guides us through darkness, God’s Word can guide us through life’s challenges, bringing clear vision and direction. I’ve provided you a: “Read the Bible in a Year” plan that can help you as it offers you a daily dose of God’s light to help you walk in the light of Christ every day.

But wait! That’s not all!! I’ve got another reading plans to help. The second is a way to “Pray Through the Psalms in a Year” that I developed. The first plan will guide you through the Bible in the order the events actually occurred. It help make the Bible read more like a novel rather than a text book. The second plan will bring the richness of the Psalms into your daily prayers. Both of these plans will help you follow and walk in the light of God’s Word through every season of the year, every season of your life.

The Light Lived Out

Paul writes in Ephesians:

At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.⁸

Those a pretty words, but how do you really do that? This can be done by: showing up here to be fed on the food of God: His Word and Sacraments, or helping a neighbor clear their driveway of snow, or dropping off a warm meal to someone who’s been feeling alone. These are simple acts reflect and receive God’s light. These small efforts can carry great meaning, as it shines God’s love in ordinary situation turning them into Holy Moments. As we receive Jesus’ light, we are called to reflect His love onto and into others. We don’t keep the light hidden for ourselves “…under a bushel. No! I’m gonna let it shine.” We share it.

Daily time in God’s Word and prayer can empower you to walk as that child of light. As Paul writes in Ephesians 5:

Walking in the light produces the fruit of goodness, righteousness, and truth.⁹

By immersing ourselves in Scripture and prayer daily, we allow these fruits to grow in our lives as we bask in God’s light and then reflect the light of Christ to those around us.

God’s creative work and redemptive work began by dispelling darkness and bringing order. Now, through Jesus, that light continues to shine, giving us the ability us to reflect His: goodness, righteousness, and truth in every facet of life.

I would like you to consider a New Year’s resolution to use the: “Read the Bible in a Year” and “Pray Through the Psalms in a Year” plans to keep that light of Christ burning ever so brightly in your heart, your mind and your life. Each day’s reading and prayer is like a light that illuminates your way in faith.

Conclusion

Next week, we are going to delve into exploring how Baptism unites us to Jesus: The Light of the world. Holy Baptism is the washing away of sin and the beginning of a new life, illuminated by the light of God’s grace. It connects us to His light and renewal as we’ve discussed today. We will see how we are called to live in His: light, love and truth. It is something I think will really help in your everyday life. 

As we step into this new year, and into this new sermon series, let God’s light: guide your path, transform your heart, and lead you to love your neighbor as yourself. Let me encourage you to pick up those reading plans. Together let’s walk through God’s Word, letting His light shine in and through us.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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