Epiphany 3 – Light in the Land of Shadows

Light in the Land of Shadows

A short reflection based on Isaiah 9:1-4 and Matthew 4:12-23

Sometimes, life feels heavy with shadows. Worry, grief, uncertainty – they cloud our vision and weigh us down. The people of Israel in Isaiah’s time knew that feeling deeply. Their land was under attack. Their future seemed hopeless. And yet, Isaiah dares to say: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light."

This is not denial. It’s defiance. A bold trust that God is not finished yet. That even in the darkest places, a dawn is coming.

Matthew picks up that same promise centuries later. Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee – a region considered unimportant, on the fringe. But there, among fishermen and ordinary folk, Jesus proclaims: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." That word "repent" isn’t about feeling bad. It’s about turning toward something new. A change in direction. A new beginning.

Jesus doesn't wait for perfect people. He calls regular workers. They follow, not because it’s easy, but because something in his light calls to something in theirs. And so it is with us.

We don’t need to escape our lives to follow Jesus. We begin right where we are. By turning from fear to trust. By listening better. Speaking more gently. Acting with justice. In a world with many shadows, even a small flame makes a difference.

Light often begins in the margins, not the spotlight.

Following Jesus means turning toward hope, even when it's hard.

Ngā mihi
Philip

p.s. Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here:
https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-epiphany-3-25-january-2026