The prophet Isaiah calls the region of Capernaum, “Galilee of the Gentiles/Nations.” The reason is that the ten northern tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali were conquered by the Assyrians around 721 BC. The Assyrians brought in exiles from other nations that they had conquered. The Jews looked at this as a “darkness over the land.” Yet, Isaiah says that a “great light,” namely, the Messiah, would come to Galilee, first. This passage represents the fact that Jesus also came for the Gentiles, namely, all nations, not just the Jews. Jesus is the “Great Gatherer,” the “Great Unifier.” As we move into this New Year, may we use Jesus as our model of one who unites, not divides.