We’re in what our biblical scholars would call Second Isaiah" and that suggests a particular way of coming to the text-as exiles and dislocated aliens who long for their homeland and gain hope through these words. The text provides a great promise for such aliens. We almost see a new Exodus, this time beginning across the river Euphrates and heading home. Of this Exodus, Richard Ascough writes,

The return is seen from the perspective of ruined Jerusalem as the prophet describes poetically the return of God to the city. The passage opens with the image of a messenger coming over the mountains that surround Jerusalem. Although such messengers usually bear news from the battlefield, in this case the news is the re-enthronement of God in Jerusalem. There are three implications of this announcement (v.7). First, there will be a cessation of hostilities between nations. Second, it is good news, implying that it comes with the blessing of God. Third, it brings with it salvation, not only from captivity in Babylon but also from the wrath of God that threatens humankind. The announcement of God’s reign inaugurates a new age in human history.

The sentinels who stand watch over the ruined walls of Jerusalem have a clear, unobstructed view of God on the horizon, leading the people back to the city. They sing for joy, repeating the proclamation of good news brought by the messenger (v. 8). The "return of God" does not indicate that God had left or that God no longer reigned during the exile. Rather, it suggests that from this point on God is taking up rule in an active way. The summons to praise in v.9 pictures the desolate, crumbling ruins of Jerusalem erupting in song to God. God has fulfilled God’s promises to bring comfort to the people and restoration to the city. This is no mere local manifestation of God. Using the military image of a bare arm, unobstructed for use in battle, the prophet underlines God’s readiness to bring salvation to all people on earth.

 

Think of the news that we are overwhelmed with during Christmas-the elections / electoral delegates, Bush’s new Secretary of State, the hit Christmas movie, "The Grinch," changes in international leadership in Israel, scandals in local office, etc.

You might consider naming some of the news that has recently become big news in your community; (you could play a little with this and hold up several items that are minuscule, but important to someone).

 

Step #1 Ask the question about how much of the news that we devour daily is good news? Name the phrases that break across the radio/TV "breaking news," "This just in . . ." "We have an Eye-witness report at the scene of the crime. . ."

Step #2  Here’s the shift: "But today is Christmas Day! Today is the day for Good News. As Christians we stand up and say into the microphone across the globe, "Our God reigns!" The joy of this day should cause us to sing with such gusto and emotion that even the building seems to break into joyous song.

Step #3 Then, the preacher could move to heighten the contrast: "Despite many newscasts of warm meanings of Christmas, very few actually proclaim the good news of peace and salvation that Jesus has brought into our world.

Step #4  This morning we are Christian broadcasters of Good News. That’s what Paul did-he took our very Isaiah passage and ran with it. He says that people can only believe if they hear, and they can only hear if the ones who are sent proclaim it: "As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news" (Romans 10:15).