January 5, 2025
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
= = =
In many places today the night sky is not completely dark. Cars, buildings, and streetlights invade the night sky with an artificial glow. But away from the heavily populated areas, when the moon and the stars are hidden behind the cloud, we can still find pitch black darkness. And such darkness is debilitating — you can't do anything; it is terrifying — you don't know what lurks in the darkness; and it is dangerous — you can't see the road ahead and can't avoid obstacles. This is the world as Israel experienced it, and why darkness was a fit metaphor for the oppressive power of sin.
But Isaiah 60:1–6 proclaims the good news to people in darkness. “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 nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” The glory of the LORD will shine from Zion (60:14), and the nations will see the hope that radiates out of Zion and will be drawn to it.
But it is critical to note that this passage is not anticipating political or earthly glory of Israel over the nations. Isaiah 60:19 “The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.” Indeed, to confine the promises of this passage to the earthly realms badly misses the point. That is why the New Testament tells us how God fulfills the promises of Isaiah 60. See, for example, Revelation 21:23 “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” Again, Revelation 22:5 “And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light…” In other words, Isaiah 60 is looking forward not to the political ascendancy of Israel over the nations, but the glory of the Messiah in whom all nations find hope and rejoice.
Indeed, Jesus has come. And we can't help but be drawn to him. Jesus has pierced the darkness of sin with the light of his grace. So we bring to our Lord honor, praise, and thanks!
= = =
Growth Resources
This year: Please see the full list of 2025 books as well as Bible reading plans on our church webpage.
This month: We are reading “The Unfolding Mystery” by Edmund Clowney.
This week: We are reflecting upon Shorter Catechism Q. & A. 2.
Everyday: Noted pastor and theologian Sinclair Ferguson posts a short reflection every day, each around 5 minutes long. "Things Unseen" cover various aspects of the Christian life, worship, and theological topics in a very accessible and edifying way. We encourage you to incorporate this into your daily life. Please see this page for more information. There you will find links to various podcast platforms as well as YouTube page.
Upcoming Events and Notices
January 12 (Lord's Day): Please join us for the monthly fellowship meal after the worship service.
January 19 (Lord's Day): Please join us for Sunday School lesson from “Essential Truths of the Christian Faith” Ch. 43 “The Holy Spirit as Sanctifier.”
January 29 (Wednesday 7 PM): The Zoom study of the Pentateuch will resume.
Thank you for your continued support of Grace Fallbrook (PCA). Your loving support makes the proclamation of the gospel and the building up of the saints possible. Please visit gracefallbrook.church/give and click on "Give Online Now." You will be directed to the PCA Foundation where you can give towards Grace Fallbrook (PCA).