Lord God of Light,
You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power – the sun and moon to light the earth by day and night. And you sent Jesus to be the Light of the World so that we can follow him and know his light on our paths. Thank you that, now as the winter solstice has passed, we know the sun’s light and your Son’s Light will both increase on the earth. Day by day, your glory will rise upon the earth and the thick darkness of sin and evil that covers this world will be replaced by the glory of the Lord. Thank you for the beauty of candlelight, stars, and angels singing during this Christmas season. Thank you that your Light shines into places of deep darkness and sin and draws and calls all nations and people to you. Pour out your Light and Hope into places of corruption, human trafficking, abuse of every kind, addictions, mental illness, poverty and economic despair, and general hopelessness. May we your Church be a blessing and light to those around us who need to hear the Good News of your Great Joy that has come for each of us – Christ the Lord. We pray in his name, Amen.
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
2 See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
3 Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (Isa. 60:1-3)
“Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” (John 11:9-10)
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)