CHRIST, THE LIGHT TO THE WORLD (EPIPHANY REFLECTION)

SCRIPTURE READINGSISAIAH 60:1-6EPHESIANS 3:1-12MATTHEW 2:1-12 REFLECTION Epiphany is a significant day in the Christian calendar, observed twelve days after Christmas. The word “Epiphany” originates from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning “appearance” or “manifestation”. It refers specifically to the moment Jesus Christ was revealed to the world. As an essential part of our Christmas celebrations, Epiphany commemorates…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Jan 5, 2026

5–7 minutes

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SCRIPTURE READINGS
ISAIAH 60:1-6
EPHESIANS 3:1-12
MATTHEW 2:1-12

REFLECTION

Epiphany is a significant day in the Christian calendar, observed twelve days after Christmas. The word “Epiphany” originates from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning “appearance” or “manifestation”. It refers specifically to the moment Jesus Christ was revealed to the world. As an essential part of our Christmas celebrations, Epiphany commemorates the revelation of Jesus to the Gentiles. For this reason, our reflection focuses on the theme: Christ, the Light of the World. As we delve into this message, we shall explore two vital truths:
1. Those who accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour will experience Him as the Light of Salvation.
2. Those who are saved by the Light of Salvation must also continue to reflect it onto those in the darkness of sin.

First, the prophet Isaiah had already proclaimed to Israel that the glory and light of God would be experienced by the entire world. Consequently, all those who accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour will experience Him as the Light of Salvation. The Prophet Isaiah prophesied, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 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. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising… 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, 5-6).

In other words, many centuries before the birth of Christ, Isaiah prophesied that Christ—the Light of the World—would be revealed through Israel. By being the birthplace of our Lord Jesus Christ, Israel became the torchbearer for all nations. We see this Epiphany of Christ manifested when Matthew wrote: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him… the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.’” (Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11). Truly, prophecy has been fulfilled. Jesus, the King and Messiah of the Jews, is also the Saviour and Light of the whole world. The Magi from the East were not Jews, yet they travelled to worship the Light. God promised, and He has delivered. Praise be to His name! This revelation demonstrates God’s profound love for sinners; He descended into our dark and sinful world through Christ to bring salvation to all who believe. John captures this beautifully: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5). Beloved in the Lord, Jesus invites you into a relationship with Him today so that you may walk in the light. He declares: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12). As we begin this new year, we must re-examine our relationship with God. We must draw near to Christ, for through Him, we radiate righteousness and receive power over sin and temptations.

The Second truth we discover in today’s Scripture reading is that we are not meant to be the final destination of this light; we must reflect it onto others by sharing the Gospel. We are not merely recipients; we are called to be the vessels that radiate Christ’s light to others. The Apostle Paul is a classic example of a believer who experienced the Epiphany of Christ and was totally transformed. Paul did not just live in the light; he carried it to the Gentiles so they, too, could experience the salvation of the Lord. He wrote to the Church in Ephesus: “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. ⁸ Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, ⁹ and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.” (Ephesians 3:7-9

Beloved in the Lord, like the Epehsian Christians, we have become children of the light through the power of the Gospel, repentance and faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Just as the Magi followed the star to Jerusalem, we are called to shine so brightly in the world of darkness so that others would see us as “stars” leading them to the Saviour. Again, just as Paul reflected the Light of Salvation He encountered in the Gentile world through the preaching of the Gospel, we are also charged to go out to reflect and preach to those who are still in the darkness of sin. May the Lord use us in our generation to bring salvation to as many who are willing to receive the Light of the world, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Indeed, it is now our turn to bring light to where there is darkness.

In summary, we have reflected on Christ as the Light of the World. We understand that through Him, we have become children of Light. Because we have benefited from this revelation, we must go out and reflect Christ by preaching the Gospel for the redemption of the dying and the lost. May the Holy Spirit empower us to keep radiating the light of salvation and righteousness, winning souls as we eagerly await His second coming. Shalom.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. We thank You for revealing Him to us and for calling us out of darkness into Your marvellous light. Lord, as we begin this new year, let Your light shine brightly in our hearts. Forgive us for the times we have faltered, and give us the strength to radiate Your righteousness to everyone we meet. Use us as Your instruments to lead the lost to salvation, just as the star led the wise men to Bethlehem. May our lives bring glory to Your name today and always. Amen.

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