There are some commands that cause us to rejoice. Every kid on Christmas morning knows what I am talking about. No child hears, “Wake up!” without flying out of bed to get to the tree. That command lands more like an announcement of good things to come! Or, think about going on a trip to Disneyland. When Dad says, “Get in the car,” it’s not a demand one hears and thinks, “Disneyland depends upon my willingness to sincerely obey my dad.” Rather, this is a command with a promise attached to it: “Disneyland awaits!” The response is not the sinful “Do I have to?” but the gospel-induced “You don’t have to tell me twice!”

Such is the language of Isaiah for those long dead in their sins and trespasses. “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you” (v. 1). This is Jesus calling guilty, greedy Zaccheaus out of the tree, “Zaccheaus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today!” (Luke 19:5) This is the resurrection call of Jesus to Lazarus after four smelly days in the tomb, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43) This is the language of the Lord’s Supper when Jesus is about to put his forgiving, life-giving body and blood in your open mouth, “Take and eat…take and drink…” Is there any sinner, dead in their guilt, who knows their need that must hear that a second time?

So it is that Jesus speaks to you who live in the darkness of sin and in the cruel thick darkness that covers the earth. And it is Jesus who is calling you to come and dwell in his presence, a place filled with his bright peace.

So, hear this! Christmas morning is here, the tomb is empty, Christ has risen for you! Arise? Shine? You don’t have to tell me twice!