“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the Lord to Zion.”

Isaiah 52:7-8

Good news travels fast! From the angels to the shepherds to the people far and wide, the good news of Jesus’ birth is spread through beautiful feet of messengers sent to proclaim, and through joyful songs that fill the hearts of those who have been waiting on the Lord’s deliverance. Like the Old Testament exiles, we have been waiting on the Lord’s glorious return to Zion to restore the fortunes of His beloved people. So, the news of His return, announced by the watchmen and the messengers, is met with joyful songs of praise.

Today, the halls of our churches ring with such glad songs. God has kept His promise by sending Jesus, who humbly came at His first advent as the child, born of Mary. This good news is the source of our joy and the content of our songs. God is faithful and He has sent His Son to save us from our sins! We can’t help but sing!

We are also assured that God will keep His promise when Jesus comes in glory in His second advent to raise the dead, to judge the nations, and to open everlasting life for us. While we sing today over the good news of His birth, we can look forward to the day when we will lift our voices with Isaiah and all the patriarchs, prophets, saints, and angels in the unending hymn of praise to the Lamb seated on His throne!

Prayer – Almighty God, grant that the birth of Your only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free from the bondage of sin; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan