July 18, 2020
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60:1-3
If we have heard it once, we have heard it a thousand times: “Rise and shine!” Many parents still use this phrase to get their kids out of bed in the morning, probably not even knowing that it’s scriptural.
When I was young, my parents sent me to summer camp in Michigan. For five weeks we woke up every morning to “Rise and Shine and Give God your Glory” being played over the camp loud speakers. It’s one of those songs that once in your head refuses to leave. The early morning ritual also included calisthenics. In between jumping jacks and burpees we were encouraged to get our blood flowing and our minds focused for the day’s activities. Both body and spirit were being primed for a “right start.”
The phrase “rise and shine” is actually a Hebrew idiom encouraging people to stand up straight rather than be bent over with life’s difficulties. By standing up straight, the Holy Spirit is allowed access to our face, posture, and attitude each day.
Come, Holy Spirit, and create a right spirit within me. Let my actions and attitudes be a blessing to others all throughout the day. Amen.
Kim Atchison