Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Anticipation and Hope
When we read this verse of Isaiah, it is hard not to immediately think of the telling of the birth of Christ and the angels coming to the shepherds that faithful night: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” (Luke 2:10)
It had been nearly 700 years since the prophet Isaiah had foretold the coming of the Messiah. 700 years! No one knew when, just that He would come. We know that God’s timing is perfect, but how difficult must it have been for the generations that followed Isaiah to wait, to wonder, to anticipate, and hope for the coming of the Lord. Finally, on a starry night, it happened.
Many of us start the countdown until next Christmas on December 26. We wait all year for the celebration of the birth of Christ. We know it is coming, we know the day, we can anticipate and prepare and be excited knowing that at long last – Christmas Eve is here. Jesus came as the good news and to proclaim peace and declare victory over sin and death.
As we celebrate once again, let us remember those (like the shepherds) who waited for centuries in great anticipation for the promise to be fulfilled. We can learn from their demonstration of faith to have hope that Christ will come again. As John has foretold in Revelations: “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him” (Revelations 1:7). That is our hope, our anticipation. Let us joyfully wait with faithfulness. COME LORD JESUS, COME!
Andy Gordon