December 2025
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” The voices of your watchmen—they lift up their voices, shouting for joy together; for every eye will see when the Lord returns to Zion. Be joyful, rejoice together, you ruins of Jerusalem! For the Lord has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has displayed his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.
-Isaiah 52:7-10
One of the callings that all believers share is the commission to be a herald: one who proclaims that our Messiah has arrived and that the kingdom of heaven is near. From the very beginning of his ministry on earth, Jesus taught his followers to proclaim the nearness of God to all people. The Christmas story is the tale of a God who enters intimately into our world and into our lives in order to redeem us.
These are good tidings indeed to a world beset by loneliness and despair; where we may at times feel as though things are out of control and getting worse. God beckons us to lift up our voices and remind others (and ourselves) that: “Your God reigns!” We are not in a horrible free fall, or condemned to judgment and destruction. Instead, the most powerful One in the universe stoops to rescue, if only we grab His nail-scarred hand.
It is incredible that this message of God’s love in Jesus has indeed spread to nearly every corner of our earth; that the story of Christmas is heralded and proclaimed in virtually every language and culture. And to those who have not yet understood the depths of this glorious good news, YOU are called to share it with them. Your feet, too, can be called beautiful as you proclaim that peace which transcends understanding: total reconciliation with God.
Perhaps you shall have opportunity to witness at some of these upcoming holiday gatherings; sharing with friends, family, and even strangers how great is our God. Perhaps you shall invite someone to join you on a Sunday morning this Advent to celebrate, or on Christmas Eve (or on December 21 for the “Blue Christmas” service), to share the hope that is revealed to this world.
The Kingdom of God is indeed very near; comfort and salvation are at hand. And our Jesus is faithful, remaining with us, and going with us until the end of time. Let us center ourselves in the gospel truth, and be ready with a testimony.
A blessed Advent and Merry Christmas to you!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matthew