Son of Righteousness,
In these dark and distressing days,
many are feeling the “gloom of anguish”—
grief over lost loved ones;
sorrow over meanness and division,
weariness over work frustrations…
In this stark dark season,
we embrace the good news
Isaiah gave people long long ago.
Isaiah promised a brilliant light
would shine into the darkness
of the Israelites’ captivity.
We have seen this light,
the “life that was the light of men” (John 1:4),
You are the “light that darkness cannot overcome” (John 1:5).
You make our burdens light
by shouldering our sin
and throwing off our oppressors (Isaiah 9:4).
You instill peace in our hearts
by burning the weapons of war
and restoring order to chaos and confusion (Isaiah 9:5).
You shine glory into the cosmos
from your everlasting crown
which rules over nations
and draws multitudes to bow before you (Isaiah 9:3,7).
Sun of Righteousness,
draw our eyes to the horizon of hope,
that we may see you rising
with healing in your wings (Malachi 4:2).
In your light and life-giving name. Amen.
Read Isaiah 9:1-7; John 1:1-18.
