Illuminated by the Radiance of his Glory!
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
This is the season of lights. The Light which has come into world, that we have celebrated, coming into the midst of darkness, has shined upon us and upon all nations … and it is shining still! “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light,” and now, behold a mystery: we see that great walking among us. “Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). “Come and see!” (v 29). We have found the Messiah (v 41)— or rather, he has found us: and that light is building something, in us and through us, beyond anything we can ask or imagine: and we become, not just those who hear of this great mystery (the meaning of Simon’s name) of the mystery of God’s mercy (the meaning of John): but we are those upon whom something solid is built (Cephas/Peter).
O Lord my God, great are the wondrous works which you have done, and also your thoughts toward us; there is none who can be compared with you!
— Psalm 40:6
Second Sunday of Epiphany
Texts for this Week
Prayer
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever.
Epiphany Carol
Francis Patrick O’Brian’s “Epiphany Carol” is a fairly new addition to the season, written — in fact — within this century; although to the old Sacred Harp tune BEACH SPRING dates to the 18th/19th C. It may be a new poem, but the sentiments are timeless. The glory of God revealed in Christ is manifest, indeed, to every nation!
