This serves as the stated text for Epiphany in all three cycles of the lectionary. The preacher may therefore want to look at the expositions in Cycles A and B also.

The church has designated this text for the celebration of Epiphany Sunday, that Sunday when it announces the fact that the gospel is intended for all peoples throughout the world. Both accompanying stated texts emphasize that fact. In the story of the wise men, who symbolize the foreign nations, Matthew shows them coming to Bethlehem to worship the infant Jesus. In Ephesians, Paul's ministry to the gentile world is proclaimed.

Set in that context, this Isaiah passage takes on an interesting twist when it is applied to Jesus. When it speaks of "kings," verse 3, coming to the "light," the light is understood as Jesus, and ver…