Isaiah 60:1-2 – 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. (NRSV)

I have a friend who is SAD, and she has a really hard time coping with the consequences. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically occurs each year during fall and winter. While many just speak about having the winter blahs or the February blues, she has a severe case. For my friend, this is a serious crisis that often puts her in life-or-death situations.

What helps SAD most is … light! Epiphany is about light! Many think that SAD is triggered by the lessening light of the fall and winter. The season of Epiphany speaks of God bringing both light and presence. For Christians, both of these come through Jesus Who is the light of the world and the presence of God among us. Epiphany focusses on the whole wide world and the desperate need for light among all peoples.

Might you bring light to those who are sad around you, those who suffer from the lack of light in their lives?

Prayer: God, when shadows block the light in our lives, may we hold on to the promise that Your light will arise upon us and Your glory will appear over us when we need it most. Thank You, in the name of the light of the world, Jesus Christ. Amen.