ARISE, SHINE, FOR YOUR LIGHT HAS COME by Cathy Hargett

“Arise, Shine, For Your Light Has Come" Cathy Hargett

12/2/25

Arise, shine, for your Light has come, and the Glory of the Lord rises upon you." (Isaiah 60:1)

We are once again in the season of many beautiful traditions. Those who follow Yeshua the Messiah with all their hearts praise Him for any and every opportunity to celebrate that the Light of the World has already come to us, and He is coming again.

In the Messianic community, there continues to be a running dialogue, questioning when Yeshua was born into this world. Some say it was at Pesach (Passover), some say Succot (Tabernacles). Hardly anyone believes it was on December 25th, as celebrated in the traditional Christian church. Many assert that there are pagan roots to the cultural season of Christmas. There is also the argument against creating the man-made holiday of Christmas, since it was not a Feast that God told us to celebrate.  

From my grateful perspective, it seems that there is now more of a deep softening of heart, at least among the Messianic community that I know. When we acknowledge that there are some cultural traditions that can be celebrated in faith, we can accept each other and better accept the different traditions (Romans 14-15). (I trust that it's obvious that I am not suggesting that we accept idol worship.) 

We even note that Yeshua celebrated the cultural tradition of Hanukkah, even though it was not one of the biblical feasts appointed by the Lord in Leviticus 23. There seem to be less arguments about whether or not this holiday should or should not be celebrated and whether it should be celebrated on December 25th. Perhaps we really are becoming "one new man", as we settle the question of "what would Yeshua teach us about these things"? 

As I pondered all this again as we enter this season, He led me to focus not on all these different perspectives that we re-hash ever year, but on something else.  He turned my heart to proclaim the so very obvious, but sometimes hidden, reality of how Yeshua and Israel reveal the truth together, as one people. The similarities are so absolutely striking that once you see them, you will not be able to think of Yeshua without thinking of Israel. And you won't be able to think of Israel without thinking of Yeshua.

And, oh, how very beautiful it is to celebrate the birth of Yeshua, and the dawning of the Messianic Kingdom. It has already begun. Oh, Hallelujah! God, the Savior of the World has already come to earth one time in the flesh, exactly as it was foretold by the prophets. This truth so guarantees that He will come again, just as He said, a second time! 

For those who still get a "disconnect" about the relationship between Yeshua and Israel, let's look at Isaiah 60 and just marvel together! Read this Chapter twice - the first time, read it and ask God for the revelation to see how this Chapter is speaking of Israel and her coming Glory among the nations. Read it a second time and ask the Lord to give you the revelation of Yeshua, our Messiah, coming back to us. Notice the parallels of how the nations turn to Israel, and how they also turn to Him, and how the Glory comes to Zion. 

"Lift up your eyes and look about you: all assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar and your daughters are carried on the hip. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy..."

(Isaiah 60:4-5)

Every knee will bow at the coming of Yeshua (Philippians 2:9-11). Every soul will cast all their crowns and everything they have at His feet in worship. And also look at the parallel - Israel's destiny - the nations will serve her (Isaiah 60:10-12). The kingdoms will bring their wealth into the Land. How prophetic is Israel's calling and revealing of Yeshua, our King?

All nations and every tribe will come to worship Him. He is the Gateway into Life (John 10:7). We see also the imagery of gates related to Israel. We read that Israel's gates will always stand open (Isaiah 60:11). Ponder that He is the Gate, and ponder Israel's gates. Can you see how Yeshua and Israel reveal the same picture of God's plan? 

Of Zion, God says,

 "...you will call your walls Salvation (Yeshua) and your gates Praise (Yehudah/Judah)"

(Isaiah 60:18)

We see the Oneness of God and Israel - Israel's walls are called Salvation. Yeshua is Salvation. Israel's gates are called Praise. Yeshua is Praise, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Judah means Praise. He is the Light of the World, and fulfills the prophetic word about Israel through Himself.

"Arise, shine, for your Light has come, and the Glory of the Lord rises upon you".

(Isaiah 60:1)

Soon, His story will be completed, and we will enter the fullness of the Messianic Kingdom and it will flow into the eternal Kingdom. He is coming again. All His promises will reach their final and complete fulfillment on this restored planet. Israel will have totally fulfilled her destiny to be the blessing to all the nations through the revelation of Yeshua the Messiah. And Elohim, Father, Son, and Spirit, will be glorified forevermore in Zion. 

"For my eyes have seen Your Salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all the nations: a Light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the Glory of Your people Israel."

(Luke 2:30-32)

Cathy Hargett, Highway to Zion Ministries

http://www.highwaytozion.org