1. ICEL Darkness darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples and thick darkness is over the peoples Is 60 2a (NIV)

2. ICEL 19 This is the verdict: light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. John 3, 19-20 (NIV) Jesus’ reaction to darkness

3. ICEL

5. Darkness/Light Isaiah 9 v 2 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. also in Matthew 4-16 quoted by Jesus

6. ICEL Light attracts Whole nations will come to the light.

7. ICEL Strange for the Jewish people Exclusive rights! exoduswilderness victory over other nations used demise of other nations to the Jews’ advantage the LORD was their God!

8. ICEL so what’s all this about “All Nations coming to the LORD?” Isaiah: All the world will come to the Light It will be great! 5 Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. 6 Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.

9. ICEL Fulfilled in the New Testament The Light shines in the darkness (John 1, 5a) BUT The darkness has not understood it (5b)

10. ICEL Paul “For this reason” 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, Ephesians 2, 19 (NIV)

11. ICEL Passport

12. Paul calls it a mystery We are the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy! We are members of one body and share in Jesus’ promises 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Eph 3,6)

13. ICEL How? Through fallible human beings! You and me… Paul: “I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people"

14. ICEL A task for Paul and for us what we do and say has physical and spiritual consequences

15. ICEL The angels had one go…

16. ICEL A role for ICEL to be a shining light for the Nations Nations will come to the light the best friend you can have Jesus; Emmanuel, God with us!