The JOYFUL Light- January 5, 2026
Read: Isaiah 60:1-6
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. “Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy. Isaiah 60:1-5
The JOYFUL Light
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Raise your hand if you like Christmas lights. By now, some of them have probably been put away, but do you remember going to see Christmas lights last month? December is the month with the shortest days and the longest nights. When it gets dark so early, bright, colorful lights feel extra special! Some displays are so big and beautiful that people will drive from all over just to see them.
Christmas lights remind us of something very important. The birth of Jesus shows us that God sent his light into a dark world. When we hear bad news, see people get hurt, or feel scared or sad, it can feel like darkness is everywhere.
But that darkness isn’t just “out there.” Sometimes it sneaks into our own hearts too. When we get angry, say mean things, or choose not to listen to God, that’s sin—and sin is like darkness.
Here’s really good news for January: God didn’t leave us in the dark! Jesus is the brightest light of all. Even brighter than the best Christmas lights, Jesus shines his love into your heart. Because of Jesus, your sins are forgiven, and you belong to God forever.
And this joyful light isn’t just for you, it’s for everyone! Jesus came for people from every place and every family. Just like darkness can cover the whole world, Jesus’ light shines everywhere. And guess what? Jesus lets you help shine that light too.
Think back to the Christmas lights you saw. Did you tell someone, “You HAVE to see this house!” Did you tell them where to find the brightest lights? That’s how it works with Jesus too. God uses you—yes, YOU—to tell others about Jesus’ love.
When you know Jesus loves you and forgives you, your heart can sparkle with joy. And when you share that joy, you help others see the light of Jesus too.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, when life seems difficult and dark, give us joy by reminding us of your glory that saved us. Fill us with your joy and light that we can’t help but tell others the good news as well. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What is one Christmas memory that made you smile? How does knowing Jesus loves you make that joy even bigger?
- Next time you see the sun rise, say, “Thank you, Jesus, for being my light!” (You can even do this together right now!)
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Isaiah 60 was written hundreds of years before Jesus was born. Yet who was Isaiah talking about when he wrote about light coming to the world?
- How is Jesus still shining his light today—through people, churches, or even you? (cf. Isaiah 60:3-4)
Questions for Middle School and Above
- When do you sometimes feel dark or gloomy? How can remembering Jesus help your heart feel brighter and joyful?
- Say Isaiah 60:2 together once slowly . . . then once with a big smile! Try saying it again the next time you feel worried or sad.
