1 In the midst of the world's chaos and change, 

When we look at the news we encounter from the start of the new year, instability is a defining feature. Venezuela and Iran are facing major crises due to internal political and economic unrest. In the United States, anti-immigration policies are increasing social unease. It is not just specific countries—the global order is experiencing significant changes amid tension and conflict. While artificial intelligence technology advances day by day, it is leading to shifts in employment and deepening poverty and inequality. Air and water pollution, along with climate change, are also emerging as critical issues today. Due to these various risk factors, global instability is expected to persist this year as well. 

Living amid such instability, we too may experience fear, emptiness, or a loss of direction. Although we seem connected through social media, many people still suffer today in loneliness and the shadows of alienation. As we observe this era, we see a state reminiscent of "the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep" (Genesis 1:2) before God created light. It is precisely in this era that God invites us: "Arise, shine." 

Those who actively attended church during their middle and high school years may recall that this passage from Isaiah was often the theme of retreats. This message aligns well with the purpose of retreats, as it proclaims hope and mission to believers amid dark realities. However, I also believe it carries the most fitting message as we begin the new year. Even if the world is unstable and chaotic, we must hold onto God's word, proclaim hope in the darkness, and faithfully carry out our mission. 

When we are swept along by the changing tides of the world, we easily become passive and indifferent. We lose inner strength and hope, settling only for the comfort of the present. But God says, "Arise." God does not want us to be passive observers. He did not call us to be mere spectators, quietly watching. Instead, He calls us to be people who, though affected by the world, shine as a positive influence. "You are the light of the world. You are the salt. You are a city on a hill." 

Today’s passage powerfully motivates us: "Arise, shine." But what about my current state? Am I living with spiritual laziness or a lack of zeal? Today, we must listen to God's voice calling and inviting us. We must heed the word that awakens our souls: "Arise. Shine."

2 Where does motivation come from? 

Today’s passage from Isaiah was first addressed to the people returning from Babylonian captivity. Though they had returned, Israel was experiencing spiritual stagnation and hardship. While they longed for the good old days, they were trapped in apathy, maintaining the status quo in a gloomy reality. How could they shine when their situation was so dire, stumbling forward with no visible hope ahead? This was Israel’s condition at the time—far from a state where they could shine. Yet today’s passage prophesies and proclaims that such a dark era will soon end and they will enjoy blessings. The reason is God’s promise that the Lord will come. Jesus Christ, the Light Himself, will come among His people and shine the light of salvation brightly. No matter how deep the darkness, it will retreat in the presence of God. The path of salvation will open, and the way of hope will unfold wide. Hymn 550, “The Glory of Zion’s Bright Morning,” was written in meditation on Isaiah 60, singing of the glorious morning that arrives after the deepest night. When that time comes, sorrow and mourning will turn into joy. When that time comes, those who were bound will return. When that time comes, all nations will share the blessings the prophets long dreamed of. God’s people will partake in glory, gaining strength and hope to live on. 

This message is not just for Israel. We, too, have received the light, so we can live lives that shine that light. Living in Peoria, I am sometimes amazed by the moon. On some early mornings when I go to church, the moon is so large and bright—truly a supermoon. It helps me understand stories of how, in times without streetlights, moonlight was so bright that people could travel mountain paths even at night. But the truth is, the moon shines by reflecting the sun’s light. As Christians, we have received the light of the Lord, who is the light of the world, and we must reflect that light to the world. Because we have received the glory and blessings revealed in the Lord, we must arise and shine. When we look at ourselves, we may see no such glory. But the light we are to shine is not our own. It is the glory and light of the Lord that has come upon us. Those who have discovered the light of life in Jesus must not remain in a state of helplessness but live empowered lives. From a place of powerlessness, we can rise and shine, carrying the strength and courage to live boldly.

3 Strength for Today, Hope for Tomorrow 

As the new year begins, many believers hold personal hopes. They may not ask for grand things, but simply wish for their families to be at ease, healthy, free from illness, and for their work to go well. These are humble aspirations. Yet, humble happiness is not all there is. In the Lord, we must embrace a broader vision of faith. Arise, shine! Light must shine powerfully, reaching farther and brighter. For ships sailing the sea, the lighthouse must shine with strength. A wider vision allows us to embrace more. God said to Abraham, “Lift up your eyes and look around.” God calls us to see the wider world and the souls within it—our friends, family, neighbors, and all nations. He desires us to have a broad perspective. 

Moreover, we have a mission to reflect the light. We gather here as a church, as a community that is the body of Christ, to make our light brighter and greater. Even small flames, when gathered together, become a mighty torch. Individual lights may seem small, but together they grow. When we worship together, encourage one another, and fulfill our mission collectively, our light shines ever brighter. I pray that this year, as we gather and unite, we may become one light, a clearer channel to reflect the Lord. 

This year, especially through the practice of reading the Bible in its entirety, we can shine even brighter. Those who consistently read and meditate on God’s word can establish a foundation for life and maintain spiritual balance. Amid life’s changes—fear, stress, or uncertainty—they can find answers and continue moving in the right direction. Through the Word, we gain strength and hold onto hope for tomorrow. This is the spiritual benefit and grace found in scripture. 

The world remains dark, filled with sorrow and mourning. Yet, we must not lose strength, for the Lord who is the Light is with us. Having received this light, let us live lives that reflect it brightly.