Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

— Isaiah 60:1

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

— 1 Peter 2:9

11b The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

12 The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

14 Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

— Romans 13:11b-12, 14

5 For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.

— 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

God’s people are to live in the present with our eyes fixed heavenward. Transformed by the Holy Spirit and looking toward Jesus’s future return, we believers are commanded to wake from spiritual slumber to reflect God’s holy character, resist the darkness of a fallen world, live holy lives of love in ways that shine the light of Chris, and actively display righteousness and holiness of God. This awakening prepares us for Christ’s return and fulfills our calling as His witnesses.

We are the witnessing believers, called to reflect God’s holiness, combat the darkness, display active love, shine Christ’s light, and be ready for the return of Jesus Christ. We are to mirror God’s pure character in daily choices and actions. We are to reject evil and choose obey the leading of the transforming Spirit. We are to help the weak, forgive others and serve kindly. We are light-bearing witnesses to draw lost people to the truth of the Gospel. The return of Jesus draws closer each day. We stay alert and keep our hearts prepared and faithful until He comes back!