We Celebrate the Light of Christ: Epiphany 3a

Since we are not gathering in person to worship I am sharing the notes that I would normally carry into the pulpit with me. Normally, what I post here is the manuscript of the sermon after it has been preached.

Let us pray…

God of light and truth, as we prepare to hear your word proclaimed, open our ears to hear, our minds to understand, and our hearts to receive what you would say to us this day. Send your Holy Spirit to illumine the Scriptures and speak through your servant. By your Spirit, give us wisdom to discern your will, courage to obey your call, and grace to live as your faithful people. Help us not merely to hear words, but to encounter the living Word, Jesus Christ. May your truth penetrate the darkness within us and guide us in the way we should go. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

Light (a sermon for Epiphany 3a)

Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1,4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23

When Darkness Meets the Light

We don’t have to look far to see the dark shadows that stretch across our world. Isaiah knew those shadows well—war, oppression, fear, and uncertainty. Matthew knew them too—Herod’s violence, Rome’s occupation, and the spiritual hunger of a weary people. And we know them: the darkness of division, despair, addiction, loneliness, injustice, and the quiet ache of a world longing for healing.

Into that darkness, Scripture announces something astonishing:
God does not stand far off. God shines. God comes near.

Isaiah declares,
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
Matthew tells us that Jesus fulfills this promise as he begins his ministry in Galilee.

And John proclaims,
“In him was life, and the life was the light of all people… and the darkness did not overtake it.”

The good news is not simply that light exists—it is that Christ himself is the Light, and he steps directly into the world’s darkest places.

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1. Christ the Light Who Breaks Oppression

Isaiah 9 speaks of liberation.
The prophet speaks of yokes shattered, rods broken, oppressors defeated.
The light of God is not a soft glow—it is a force that breaks chains.

Matthew picks up this theme as Jesus begins his ministry “in Galilee of the Gentiles,” a region considered spiritually dim and socially insignificant. Yet this is where the light dawns first.

Jesus’ message is simple and urgent:
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

This is not a threat—it is an invitation.
It means:
“Turn toward the light. The reign of God is breaking in. Walk into the New Creation.”

John tells us that this light is not threatened by darkness.
The darkness cannot comprehend it, contain it, or extinguish it.

Where Christ shines, oppression loses its grip.
Where Christ shines, fear loosens.
Where Christ shines, hope rises.

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2. Our Response: Following the Light and Seeking God’s Presence

When Jesus calls the first disciples, they do not negotiate, delay, or ask for a strategic plan.
They immediately leave their nets.
They step out of the familiar and into the light.

Their response is a model for us:
When Christ shines, we follow.

Psalm 27 gives voice to the heart of a disciple:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?”
“One thing I ask… to live in the house of the Lord… to seek him.”

Following Jesus is not merely about activity—it is about presence.
It is about orienting our lives toward the One who is Light.
It is about trusting that his light is stronger than any darkness we face.

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3. The Community of Light: Called to Unity

Paul writes to a divided Corinthian church—a church fractured by loyalties, personalities, and preferences.
His remedy is not better organization or stronger leadership.
His remedy is the cross.

He reminds them:
“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us… it is the power of God.”

The cross is our common ground.
Not our politics.
Not our preferences.
Not our traditions.
Not our personalities.

The cross levels us.
The cross unites us.
The cross forms us into a community of light—people who reflect Christ’s love, humility, and holiness.

A divided church cannot shine.
A united church becomes a beacon.

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4. The Mission: Fishers of People and Breakers of Yokes

Jesus calls his disciples not simply to follow, but to fish for people—to draw others into the light, to participate in God’s redeeming work.

Matthew summarizes Jesus’ ministry in one sweeping sentence:
He teaches,
He proclaims good news,
He heals.

This is the shape of our mission too.

Isaiah reminds us that the light of God is not only comforting—it is liberating.
We are called to break yokes, lift burdens, and stand with those who suffer.

To follow Jesus is to join him in the places where darkness still tries to linger:
• among the poor
• among the sick
• among the lonely
• among the oppressed
• among the forgotten

The light of Christ is not meant to be admired—it is meant to be carried.

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Our Response to This Message

So what do we do with this good news?

1. We turn toward the Light.

Repentance is not shame—it is reorientation.
It is choosing Christ’s way over our own.

2. We seek God’s presence.

We cultivate prayer, worship, Scripture, and community so that the light of Christ fills us.

3. We pursue unity.

We lay down our pride, our divisions, and our lesser loyalties at the foot of the cross.

4. We join the mission.

We become bearers of light—people who heal, teach, serve, and proclaim the kingdom.

The world is dark, yes.
But the Light has come.
And the darkness cannot overcome Him.

May we walk in that light.
May we be shaped by that light.
And may we shine that light into every corner of God’s world.

Amen.

+ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray…

Lord God, your word has been proclaimed among us, and we have heard the message of light and hope. Now write your truth upon our hearts so deeply that it cannot be erased. Help us to remember what we have heard and to put it into practice in our daily lives. As we leave this place of worship, may we go as people transformed by your grace, committed to following Jesus, and empowered by your Spirit to be bearers of light in a dark world. May all we do this week bring glory to your name. In Christ we pray. Amen.