During Advent, we wait in darkness hoping for light to break into this broken world. Then, throughout the twelve days of Christmas, we celebrate its arrival. The light has finally come! The Feast of Epiphany on January 6 brings this theme of light to culmination: the light is now manifest to the world. During this season of Epiphany, which lasts until the arrival of Lent with Ash Wednesday, we reflect upon the life and ministry of Jesus, and how as the light of the world, he enlightened all those he touched. Likewise, we as bearers of that light, seek to be renewed and strengthened as we, the church, go forth into the world with the light of Jesus Christ. This is truly the time when we remind ourselves as the church to be that city of light shining atop a hill.

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.