The Lutheran Hour
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"In Christ, a New Day is Dawning, for You!"
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Text: Isaiah 60:1, 3-6
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In the Name of our Epiphany Lord Jesus, the One whom wise men still seek, so to believe. Amen.
Today is a very special celebration in many Christian churches around the world. For them, for us, every January 6th is a day of celebration called “the Epiphany of our Lord.” The word “Epiphany” means “appearing.” And so, it’s a celebration then of the day when Wise Men, also called Magi, visited Jesus as a Boy and presented Him and His family the precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Now, we don’t actually know if there were just three of them, but we do know that these were men who were looking intently for a new day to dawn.
Perhaps, already hundreds of years before, their ancestors heard about the promises of hope from the Old Testament Prophets, shared by Israelites exiled to live among them. God’s people of the promise had been scattered among the nations, and maybe that’s when the ancestor’s of these Magi first heard! It may have been during the time of the prophet Daniel (remember the story of Daniel and the Lion’s Den). But, no matter when that word was first heard, from that time on, even people in these faraway lands knew something of the Old Testament Scriptures and the promise that God would dramatically change the world in which they lived. They needed this hope, like all of us. Like us, they saw how helpless they were in the face of world turmoil, their own personal struggles, and the frailties and failures that were constantly part of their lives. For hundreds of years they passed along the hopes announced by God’s Prophets to their children, their grandchildren, and to their grandchildren’s children as well. Can you imagine the joy and anticipation when these Magi saw a star that they believed signaled the birth of that long-awaited King of the Jews who would dramatically change things for the better?
The Bible matter-of-factly says that these Magi, these foreigners, packed up their camels with supplies and gifts, and set out to see the Newborn King. The dawning of a new day.
The Gospel of Matthew tells us that when they arrived at the Holy Family’s house, the Magi bowed down before Jesus, worshiped Him, and presented Him with the gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. It was the dawning of a new day, the birth of a new time, the coming of the Promised One for all. This was the new day they had been looking for. The past was gone. New hope had taken hold.
I’m wondering if that’s how you’re thinking about things today. You know, we’re not all that different from those “Magi” of old. Many of us today are hoping and praying and waiting for a new day to dawn. Isn’t that what New Year’s Eve is all about? Isn’t this the time of “Auld Lang Syne”? Isn’t this the time when we make resolutions for change that we so desperately hope to keep? I read somewhere that nearly half of the people in the United States make such hope-filled resolutions each year. That’s a lot of people; each one yearning for a fresh start, a new day. This is the year, many say, “that I’ll lose weight, or I’ll get organized, or spend less money.” Or, this is the year, “I’ll read my Bible more,” “go to church more,” or even “prayerfully repair the broken relationships in my life!” This is the year!
It is the time of hopeful resolutions. And during this time of year, we’re a bit like the Magi, full of hope and expectation. We search intently for new life to happen, for new hope to take hold, and for a new day to dawn.
So let me be even more clear, dear listener, the Bible is saying that a new day is dawning for you today and not just because you were hoping for it. For God Himself wants it, even accomplished it, for you, for me, and for all. You see, The Magi weren’t just searching for a generic change or their best efforts at making a new day possible; no, they were looking for the Promised One, the One who really does make all the difference in the world! They found such a new day dawning in this Boy named Jesus.
Isaiah chapter 60 predicted this joyful coming of Jesus and the Wise Men’s encounter with Him. Listen to the words of this prophecy spoken hundreds of years before Jesus was born:
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you…nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see;…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. 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 60:1,3-6).Did you hear the prophecy of camels, gold, and frankincense? Did you hear the joy in the prophecy that your heart will thrill and exult? What a plan God has, dear friend! What a plan God has for you and for me! Today, in Jesus the Savior, a new day is dawning for you, for all!
Wow! That kind of good news is needed now more than ever, right? Because, if you’re like me, you can easily get weary of the old, bad news. Whether it’s the constant onslaught of bad news in the newspaper, on TV or the internet, or the exhaustingly hectic pace of life, or the personal challenges that perplex us, causing real worry and fear. The old days of life in this world can make even the optimists among us weary. Do you ever feel like that?
Do you ever feel that weariness? Do you wish that things could change–that you could change?
A woman in Blackburn, England felt that. Her name was Susan. Already in her late forties, she had a challenging life. Born with a learning disability, she was bullied as a child. Children in school called her “Susie Simple.” It hurt her deeply and it dashed her confidence and self-esteem. She was the youngest, also, of nine brothers and sisters. After her siblings grew up and left home, she stayed to care for her elderly and frail mother. While this was a labor of love, it was still very exhausting. Those of you who are caregivers understand what it feels like to give of yourself twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Those of you who receive care, you understand the frustration of needing help and the fear of being a burden.
“Susie Simple” was tired. She was physically exhausted. She was emotionally spent. She needed a new day to dawn in her life. But grief upon grief filled her heart. In 2007 her mother died. Now she was left alone to pick up the pieces of her life.
Susan’s dream when she was younger was to be a singer. She loved to sing! Music was her source of solace. She dreamed of singing like some of her favorite artists. Susan’s mother encouraged her to pursue her dream, to use her gift, so she sang all she could at her church and sometimes at local venues. She even took some singing lessons.
She thought, now is the time. So, one day after she had heard about a singing competition being held in London. She decided she could try it. She wanted to pay tribute to her mother by singing in front of a larger audience. But Susan was filled with doubt about this daring venture. Who would want to hear a nearly fifty-year-old newcomer? Who would want to listen to her? Who would be interested in her life–a life she described as mundane and routine? How could she ever have a new future? Her life seemed too far gone, beyond any hope for newness or change.
That’s how life feels sometimes even when things are going well, doesn’t it? Do you feel like you’re living in that kind of darkness? Are you weary with your routine? Do you feel as if your future looks bleak? Do you wonder if there is any hope for the challenges you face? The prophet Isaiah pushes even deeper, diagnosing the root cause of such woes. It’s not merely lack of money, or lack of opportunity or education; it goes much deeper than that. The root of our problems is our fractured relationship to the God who created us, our sinful separation from the God who loves us. Isaiah paints the real picture when he says, “For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples” (Isaiah 60:2a). Even rock-solid, New Year’s resolutions cannot overcome the darkness of our broken world or the thick darkness of our sin-stained lives.
So what are you struggling with today? Are you afraid of facing the New Year with continued illness and pain? Are you dreading the constant financial difficulties that you seem to face each year? Are you heartbroken over a relationship that is hurting or disappointing you? Are you wondering if God will open a door and show you the purpose and plan He has for your life?
Dear friend, don’t despair. Don’t despair. It is true, the darkness of sin and evil are real. But, it is also true that it can be darkest right before the dawn. And for the darkness you experience, Jesus, the very Light of the world, has come. Yes, the Magi saw Jesus and were filled with awe and wonder, the Savior indeed had come.
Their hope is our hope! For Jesus comes to you today to let you know that because of Him a new day has dawned for you. A new life is here for all who trust Him.
Isaiah was honest about the thick darkness we face, but he was also honest about the hope you have. He went on to say: “But the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you” (Isaiah 60:2b). Your life, right now, is not mundane and ordinary because God is here for you. Each and every moment of your life in Him, is moving you closer and closer to the eternal life that God Himself has made available to you through Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, everything becomes new.
This is the surprising grace of God, the Sonrise of dawn, that changes everything. And, because of that, your life can be brand new, starting today! I wonder what that might feel like. Brand new, starting today.
Remember “Susie Simple?” Well, her life did change dramatically one day. You see, she decided to give the singing competition a try. She was accepted for an audition in August of 2008. Her audition was aired on television in 2009. Susan sang “I Dreamed a Dream” from the musical Les Misérables. You may have seen it. 10 million viewers did as they watched the third season of “Britain’s Got Talent.” Hundreds of millions more watched Susan’s performance on YouTube. A humble and ordinary woman stepped onto the stage. People actually snickered. The judges expressed their doubts. Then Susan sang. And people’s hearts melted. People stood on their feet to applaud her. Everyone was awed. You may have guessed who Susan is. She is Susan Boyle. And for her, a new day had dawned. Suddenly, there was new hope, even a new life.
She finished in second place in the competition, but she was a worldwide sensation. Her story captured the hearts of people everywhere. Who wouldn’t be moved by a new day dawning in a person’s life? Susan Boyle’s debut album is now the best-selling album of all time in Britain. Of all time! Can you imagine how surprised Susan Boyle was about how her life and how it had totally changed?
But, my friend, as delightful and as joyful as that new dawn, new day was for Susan Boyle. It’s nothing compared to the life and salvation, the fresh start and hope that God accomplished in the Person and work of Jesus Christ for her and for you. The gift of forgiveness, life, and salvation is more than merely having a hit record or a recording contract; it’s the gift that makes you want to sing for joy…period. It’s the joy that made the shepherds run through the towns proclaiming the birth of Jesus, It’s the joy that literally opened up the heavens for angels to declare the glory of His birth, It’s the joy that drove Magi from the East to follow the star to the lowly place of this newborn King’s dwelling. That joy, the gift of eternal life, purposeful life, graced life to completely change your life is here for you because of this Jesus, your Savior!
It’s Jesus who said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).Isaiah challenges us, when we see His light, to, “Arise, and shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1).
In Jesus, a new day has dawned for you.
Because of Jesus’ birth into our world, His death on the cross for you, His resurrection from the grave, everything has changed. Your sins have been washed away; your living Savior takes your hand in the darkness and leads you into new life. You’re not alone. You’re not ignored or unwanted. You’re not hopeless. Jesus has come for you. He came to save you. A new day has dawned!
One of my favorite artists is a Polish jazz singer named, Basia. And, one of my favorite songs that she sings is called, “A New Day.” She sings…..
It’s gonna be a new day for you, A new day for you
The stars have played their part, The past is gone and done
Have more faith in love, The best is yet to come.I love the song, that refrain; but I wish she would have said more, don’t you? I wanted her to sing,
It’s gonna be a new day for you, Christ has done His part, not the stars and the planets, but the Creator of them all. He has done His part so, have more faith in God, for God is love! The best is yet to come.
Well, all I know is, if she could boldly sing her New Day song, we can boldly sing our new day song today even more, can’t we? This week, let’s work on that together, how about that? Let this refrain be always in our hearts and minds, that in Christ, a new day has dawned for you and for me!” What if we met every challenge by remembering this refrain of truth?
As you ponder your illness or pain, what if you remembered, “A new day has dawned for me”? For it’s the Newborn King who says: “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
What if you faced the grief in your heart today by saying out loud, “A new day has dawned for me”? Why? Because Jesus, the Newborn King, in His resurrection, conquered death! A new day has dawned!
What if you encountered the biggest and most difficult issues in your life today–the questions you can’t answer–by declaring, “A new day has dawned for me”? How in the world is that possible? Well, remember Isaiah says it this way: It’s because God’s light has arisen for you. Jesus is your light and salvation and His Word is a lamp for your feet, a light to your path! Now, instead of responding with hopelessness or anger you can respond with a Scripture-empowered, hope-filled love, and a Spirit-empowered, persistent prayer. Why, because your life is in the hands of the Newborn King. A new day has dawned.
So, how about this week we let this refrain be our theme? In Christ, a new day has dawned. (Actually, we should let this week just be the beginning, right?) Remember, you are not alone. For Isaiah prophesies for us all that the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! A new day has dawned!
And don’t just sing this joyful refrain for yourself. Let others know that such a new day is theirs too. It’s not just a phrase. It’s a reality for all who trust in Christ. A new day has dawned for me, because of Him.
The Magi saw it for themselves! The most incredible surprise had happened. God sent His Son Jesus to be the light of salvation in the darkness of our own sin, our own pain, our own broken world! Because of Him, we have a proclamation of hope; a song to sing in the day-to-day challenges of life. In Christ, a new day is dawning for all who put their faith in Him. The Magi knew that as they marveled and worshipped Him. I pray that you will, too, for this light of God’s grace is shining, and by faith in Him, a new day has dawned for you! Amen.
LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for January 6, 2013
Topic: Pilgrimage To The Holy LandANNOUNCER: What’s it like to see Israel and Palestine for the first time? I’m Mark Eischer here with Pastor Gregory Seltz. Pastor, you recently toured the Holy Land with a group of our friends. Was it everything you expected?
SELTZ: Wow, that’s a tough question, because one, I had never been to Israel, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Let me say this, even if you’ve seen pictures and read books, its more compelling in person.
ANNOUNCER: How so?
SELTZ: Well, first, the topography. I never realized how rugged the land was over there. I mean, Jesus and His disciples must have been in pretty good shape to walk some of the hills and mountains, I saw. I mean, when the Bible says that you “go up to Jerusalem,” you go UP to Jerusalem. And the mountains and hill country from Galilee all the way to the Dead Sea, well, let’s just say that it sure was easier to navigate by bus.
ANNOUNCER: Right, well, what else took you by surprise?
SELTZ: Well, it’s also the amount of people visiting from all over the world….that took me back a bit, too. It made me realize that our work of bringing Christ to the nations is now more compelling than ever.
ANNOUNCER: Tell us some of the things you did.
SELTZ: My first day was to meet a group in Galilee. So, incredibly, my first morning was leading devotions on a boat in the middle of the sea. That day, we saw St. Peter’s house, the synagogue at Capernaum, and the place where Jesus most likely would have spoken the “Sermon on the Mount.” It was really moving!
ANNOUNCER: To be there in places we’ve read about, right?
SELTZ: Exactly, you’re really there. It’s as if the pages of the Bible start to jump out at you. Everywhere you look…there King David probably fought Goliath, or over there, up on this mountain were ruins of the High Places of the ten lost tribes. The Old Testament came alive, but of course the New Testament did too. We got to see the Shepherd’s Field where the angels may have indeed announced Jesus’ birth. We got to experience the pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath, telling him to “Take up your mat and walk.” But the best part was walking the “Via Dolorosa” and ending up at the church of the Holy Sepulcher, the traditional site of Jesus’ death and empty tomb.
ANNOUNCER: It must have been incredible.
SELTZ: It sure was. In fact, it was overwhelming. I was even able to have a morning “resurrection” service in one of the side chapels next to the empty tomb of Jesus. There we were. Several busloads of people walking through the church in the early morning hours, then singing and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus and the life we get to live in His Name….right there in the place where the women first journeyed to the Tomb, where Peter ran only to find the folded burial linens, where Mary first heard the gracious voice of her risen Savior. It was awesome! In fact, if you can believe this, I was speechless for a moment. But being there with my wife and with so many friends of Lutheran Hour, it just made an event I’ll never forget.
ANNOUNCER: I remember you said that you were a bit nervous before you went. What were you concerned about?
SELTZ: Well, first of all, it wasn’t about safety or anything like that. It had more to do with being nervous that I wouldn’t be “wowed” by the place.
ANNOUNCER: And, why’s that?
SELTZ: Well, think about it. I mean, the world’s “monuments to its great people,” they’re usually impressive, marble shrines to their glory. I was worried that the places of Jesus’ birth, and especially the places of His passion and empty tomb, would be underwhelming by comparison and I didn’t want that feeling about such holy places.
ANNOUNCER: But, is that what happened?
SELTZ: No, in fact the opposite did. The servant nature of our Savior was evident everywhere. The fact that He came on donkeys and not stallions was even clearer to my eyes. In fact, the simplicity of many of the places made the experience even more compelling, even more amazing. Think about it. Jesus, the Lord of the universe, came to this place for you and me, and there’s nothing, nothing more overwhelming than that. It’s a pilgrimage that strengthens one’s faith because you see the uniqueness of Jesus. And, if our listeners desire it, I’m sure that we’re going to do more of these kinds of things.
ANNOUNCER: Very good. Well, it sounded like an amazing opportunity. We’re glad you’re back safely and we pray God’s continued blessings on all those who made the trip with you. And, listeners, there will be more opportunities to journey to the Holy Land with Pastor Seltz, so keep your eyes open for those opportunities. Check things out on our website, www.lhm.org. Thanks for listening, this has been a presentation of Lutheran Hour Ministries.
Music Selections for this program:
“A Mighty Fortress” arranged by Chris Bergmann. Used by permission.
“Arise, Shine” by Mark Bender. Concordia Publishing House/SESAC
“O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright” arr. Donald Busarow. From Heirs of the Reformation: Treasures of the Singing Church (© 2008 Concordia Publishing House)
“As with Gladness Men of Old” From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)
“Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern” by Johann Philipp Kirnberger. From A Year of Grace by Craig Cramer (© 2003 Dulcian Productions)