Last night a few of us gathered to sing Christmas carols at a local pub. (Thanks Taproom, Panama City for the hospitality.) The fellowship was fantastic.  The singing was grand, and although it had  rained a little, the air was a perfect temperature to enjoy a night outside. 

All of it was special, but to watch how the music affected those who just happened to be in listening range, that is always my favorite part. Music is one dynamic way to share the good news.  You see contagion happen in the most subtle ways.  A tap of a foot here or gentle smile there as a person quietly joins the refrain waiting to order. 

These are the sacred moments of the Holy Announcement.  The private moments that affect a person’s heart and cause a subtle shift to the well being of their soul.  They don’t have to be large bill boards, or cost a fortune, but Holy Announcements, we know they are Holy, because they initiate change in a person.  When you encounter a Holy Annoucement you can never be the same again.

Isaiah brings Holy Annoucements to the people.  He and all prophets are change agents that compel people to turn back to God.  However, in the language we read today Isaiah is reminding others that they too have the gift of sharing the Holy Announcement, proclaiming who God is to the people.

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.”

Isaiah 52:7

So while Holy Announcements can sound like a beautiful melody wrapped up in song, they also sound like foot steps.  The click, click of the dress shoe on concrete walking up a side walk.  The crunch of a boot through the snow.  Feet carry you to make the Holy Announcement.  Where on this earth, to carry the Good News,  will your feet carry you? 

Let us pray.  Hark the people here us sing.  Let us praise the new born king.  Help us share his mercy mild, to the broken and defiled.  There are people hurting now.  Those who need the baby now. Help us speak this truth on earth.  Christ did come to give new birth.  Help us speak this truth on earth. Christ did come to give new birth.  In Jesus name Amen.  (P.s.  I Christmas dare you, sing this prayer.  Melody is Hark the Herald Angels Sing).

Advent Challenge for the day.  Read Isaiah 52:3-10.   The theme for the day is the idea “announcement”   Take a picture.  Write an idea.  Share on social media using #messiahlutheranpc #signs4life #AdventPhoto