Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Yesterday morning I received news of the death of my father’s only sister. Having previously read this passage I was all prepared to go in another direction, but my mind moved away from the more familiar message of a living victory over the darkness of the world towards the light that is the final reconciliation with the glory of God. The journey of the wise persons led directly to a face to face meeting with salvation. Our journey in Christ will ultimately lead us also to that glorious face to face encounter. For some the journey is short. For my aunt it was 80+ years, for others much longer and for certain our journeys are not without its dark moments. Nevertheless, I can only praise God for the glory that shines over my aunt today, a wise person who traveled courageously, loved much, and the gift of her life daily lived seeing the everlasting manifestation of the Epiphany. Today a lesson in hope for our journey. “Death ends a life not a relationship” – Mitch Albom Tuesdays with Morrie

Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice…. Isaiah 60:1-6   For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. 1 Cor. 13:12