Scripture for Today | Isaiah 60:1-6 (with Pastor Nick)

About this Episode

Opening Song: 

 Light After Darkness by Advent Birmingham 

Lyrics:

Light after darkness, gain after loss,

Strength after weakness, crown after cross;

Sweet after bitter, hope after fears,

Home after wandering, praise after tears.

 

Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain,

Sight after mystery, peace after pain;

Joy after sorrow, calm after blast,

Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last.

 

Weeping may remain for a night

But joy arrives in morning’s new light

I’ll praise the God of merciful plight

Still I will praise him, still I will praise him, my God.

 

Near after distant, gleam after gloom,

Love after loneliness, life after tomb;

After long agony, rapture of bliss,

Right was the pathway, leading to this.

 

You give and you take away

In darkness still I will say:

“A good God I serve this day.”

Still I will praise you, still I will praise you.

Passage: 

1   Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,

and thick darkness the peoples;

but the LORD will arise upon you,

and his glory will be seen upon you.

3 And nations shall come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your rising.

 

4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see;

they all gather together, they come to you;

your sons shall come from afar,

and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.

5 Then you shall see and be radiant;

your heart shall thrill and exult,

because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,

the wealth of the nations shall come to you.

6 A multitude of camels shall cover you,

the young camels of Midian and Ephah;

all those from Sheba shall come.

They shall bring gold and frankincense,

and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD.

(Isaiah 60:1–6 ESV)

Musical Reflection:

“Amazing Grace,” Appalachian folk tune

Reflection Notes: 

This beloved tune, formally known as NEW BRITAIN, originates from the folk music of Appalachia. The melody is simple and outlines triads, making it memorable; the ascending line creates a triumphant climax. 

Prayer:

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.