When I was a kid we would sing this song in Sunday School; “Rise and Shine, Give God the Glory Glory” most of the time I would hear it sung at camp as the counselors woke us up in the morning. Even now as I write it, I can hear it with a tinge of teenage disgust at the thought of waking up earlier than I wanted. Little did I know that I was singing the opening line to Isaiah 60.
Isaiah’s call to “Arise, shine” is both an invitation and a command. It’s as if God is saying, “Wake up — lift your eyes — My light is already shining!” Advent invites us to do the same: to wake from spiritual sleep, to notice God’s presence breaking into our world, and to reflect His light to others. Unlike my children’s songs, the scripture is much better. Rather than me giving God glory, the glory of God rises over me like the sun pushing away the darkness of night.
It’s easy to look at the world and feel like darkness is winning — injustice, division, fear, and despair seem to be everywhere. But Isaiah’s words remind us that God’s glory doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. His light breaks in while the darkness is thick. The dawn comes while the night still lingers.
When Isaiah wrote these words, Israel was weary and scattered. The people needed hope. God’s promise wasn’t that darkness would vanish overnight, but that His glory would rise upon His people. The light of God changes how we see, how we live, and how we love. When we encounter Jesus— the true Light — we don’t just receive illumination; we become bearers of it. Or, as I say often, grace makes us graceful.
The invitation to “arise and shine” is for us, too. Every act of kindness, forgiveness, or courage is a reflection of the Light of Christ to a world that desperately needs to see it.
Reflection: Ask God to show you one place where you can “shine.” Maybe it’s encouraging someone who’s discouraged, showing patience in a stressful moment, or offering generosity to someone in need. God’s glory is revealed through simple, faithful acts of love and light.
Think of a time when you saw God’s light shine through someone else — their faith, compassion, or courage. How did their light affect you? Or, think of a time when you chose to “rise and shine” despite difficult circumstances.
Prayer: Gracious God, Your light has come, and Your glory rises upon us like the sun. Help me not to hide in fear or discouragement but to stand in Your light. Let my life reflect Your radiance so that others may see Your hope through me. Amen.