context - Thus far in the writings comprising Isaiah 40-66 we have heard more about darkness than light (especially chapters 56-59 vis-à-vis 59:9-10). But if you retrace steps before these chapters one will once again find the prominence of the metaphor of light, though with a difference. This time the "light" is used in relationship to the nations. Whomever the servant was to be originally, Israel was to be a servant and as such a "light to the nations" (42:6; 49:6). Israel was to rise up, nations and kings were to stream to her light. And then the epiphany of God would happen: "the LORD will arise upon you." Ultimately, God would come as redeemer.

light over darkness - notice the dominant image of light - seems to represent renewal, restoration, a return to orientation; I wonder how long these people have been in the dark; the writer insists that darkness will continue to overwhelm the land, yet the LORD will arise upon his people; so powerful will be the light that people from other nations shall be drawn to the light. Even now they are beginning to gather together.

 

DRAWN TO THE LIGHT:

Behold the long awaited bright light shining above, cries the prophet. The pathway is clear. Strangers are coming. Family members are on their way. But even before the others come in their caravans, God’s people must wake up, get up, behold the light for themselves, and make ready for this new thing that is being done on the earth. People—even strangers—are coming from far and near to see the light. What should be Zion’s response to those coming? Resentment? No. There is not time for resentment. Radiance and rejoicing are the only appropriate response to the Redeemer’s appearance. [1]

nib - It is striking that the means by which God brings about universal and broad-reaching knowledge of God’s righteousness remains specified and particular. There is one place and one people to which the nations come. The promise made to Abraham long ago (Gen. 12:3) has been transformed, but the same content remains, now focused on Zion and her children-"a people whom the LORD has blessed" (61:9).

It is "out of Zion" that a deliverer comes. To talk about the treatment of the nations apart from this theological reality, carried over bodily in the gospel, is to shift attention away from God’s original promises and future plans, centered on Zion and her righteous children. When those plans are honored, the widest possible reach of God’s knowledge becomes operative. [2]

 

How does God's light manifest itself in the world today?   Through Christianity?  Even though there are divisions and we do not speak with one voice?

How does Christ's light shine through us today?  Through our individual lives? Our local church? Do we want it to shine through us?  How does it illuminate the darkness around us?  What does the darkness that surrounds us look like?  How does it oppress people and keep them captive?

Will God judge us by the measure of light that has been revealed to us individually?

 

Matthew makes an important connection to the Isaiah passage especially to verse six: "They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD."  The point the preacher on this passage could make is one of prophetic import.  Isaiah's vision thus becomes fulfilled in the arrival of the Christ child:

Play with the themes of darkness and light. In the sections of Isaiah that lead toward our lesson, much more ink has been allotted to darkness than light. But here we have a shining opportunity to reflect on light and its various glimmers.

Perhaps you could organize your thoughts around the three titles: Darkness / Light / Drawn to the Light.

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[1] New Proclamation (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000), page 73.
[2] The New Interpreter’s Bible VI (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2001), page 516.