December 8, 2002

The Advent Scriptures for this week are filled with heralds of good news. Isaiah, Jerusalem, the Psalmist, Peter, Mark and John joyfully proclaim that God's promises will be fulfilled. Do we believe what we hear? Will we have any "good news" of our own to proclaim this Christmas?

How many towns do you suppose have a newspaper call the HERALD? It is a good name for a newspaper because it refers to one who proclaims significant news. It also can refer to a person who comes before to announce what will follow – a forerunner like John. The angels who heralded the good news of Jesus' birth fit into a long line of heralds who proclaimed that God's promises would at last be fulfilled.

This week everyone seems to be announcing good news. Isaiah and the Psalmist herald and describe others heralding glad tidings. Mark proclaims the Gospel of good news of Jesus Christ. He also depicts John as herald in the tradition of Isaiah. And, Peter speaks eloquently of God's promise and patience. Can we bring ourselves to hearken to their words and believe in them? Do we have any good news of our own to proclaim?

Unlike those who were baptized by John, we were baptized with the Holy Spirit. If that is so, then what sort of persons ought we to be? Like Isaiah, John and Peter, we ought to be both heralding and hastening the coming of the day of God.

SO THE QUESTION: HOW CAN YOU BEST PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST IN YOUR DAILY LIVING?

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