DECEMBER 25, 2025 – THE LIGHT OF CHRISTMAS

READ: Isa. 60:1–12: Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.… The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

Isaiah first spoke these words as comfort to the exiles in Babylon. The deliverance from that exile was the first fulfillment: light in the darkness, as the people experienced new joy of life after affliction upon their return to Jerusalem.

But with the birth of Jesus Christ, this prophecy was fulfilled in a much deeper way. He was already called in Isa. 42:6 the light for the Gentiles. With the coming of Immanuel—God with us—the light of Isa. 60:1 shines as the light of the glory of the LORD, made visible in the heavenly radiance of the angelic song.

That light became even clearer for believers when Christ completed His work of redemption through His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. He Himself is the Light of redemption unto eternal life, shining in the darkness of death upon souls imprisoned in sin and misery.

Every believer sees this Light for comfort, great joy, and gratitude—no matter how difficult the circumstances may be.

This Light also makes believers children of light: they bear witness to the redemption found in Jesus Christ toward others who still live in darkness. At the return of Christ, there will be no darkness at all. Everything will be illuminated by God Himself, with Christ as the lamp (Rev.21:23; 22:5).

Is. 60 describes in verses 5–12 the worldwide church-gathering work of Christ throughout the earth, so that God is served, honored, and praised everywhere. This becomes visible already in the wise men from the East, who bring gold and frankincense to the newborn Savior (v.6; Matt. 2:11).

The conversion of the nations is an ongoing process until the Second Coming, when the number will be complete—the gates of Jerusalem remain continually open. So it is also with the heavenly Jerusalem: there will be uninterrupted fellowship between the LORD and His people (Rev.21:25).

How do you celebrate Christmas at home?
Sing: Ps. 36:3