Thoughts for the Day

How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
who announces salvation,
who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’
Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,
together they sing for joy;
for in plain sight they see
the return of the Lord to Zion.
Break forth together into singing,
you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the Lord has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has bared his holy arm
before the eyes of all the nations;
and all the ends of the earth shall see
the salvation of our God.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

As Christians we know these wonderfully poetic words so well, often from a Christmas Carol Service when we apply them to the coming of John the Baptist who came to call the people to repentance. Or perhaps we know them from the beautiful Aria 'How beautiful are the feet' from Handel's Messiah. But when Isaiah (possibly Second Isaiah) wrote them they had a different meaning. It is hundreds of years before the time of Jesus. Picture it, the messenger comes across the Judean mountains towards the ruined city of Jerusalem with a wonderful report. His feet are swift for he brings a messages of 'peace', of 'good news', and of 'salvation'. God is returning to His city. Isaiah gives those in exile in Babylon a picture of God leading His people back home. But the prophecy says more than this, it says that with this new reign all hostility will cease between nations, so it is a prophecy of hope for the world. But as we know the exiles that wished did come back and rebuild the city of Jerusalem and the Temple, but the hope of peace did not return, and the Temple and city were destroyed again in 70 CE by the Romans.

As Christians we wait for peace, for good news, and also for salvation. For us this is a reminder that God is still intending to bridge the gap between us and Himself, and bring in His new reign of love and peace. Isaiah sees sentinels on the walls watching for the coming of the Lord. We are these watchmen or sentinels, spiritually alert for the Second Coming of Jesus.

Today, the message of Isaiah remains as relevant as ever. In a world filled with crises and uncertainty the proclamation of God’s message offers hope to those in need. Just as when a family hears good news it can bring joy even when life is difficult, so sharing the gospel can bring light and hope to a darkened world. Try sharing God's love with those you meet this Advent.

Heavenly Father
as we wait for the return of Your Son,
and His reign of peace,
may we appreciate that we have our
part to play in achieving this by helping others.
This Advent may we prepare for Christmas
by seeking to spread Your love
to as many people as possible.
Amen.