December 24 - Messiah - Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15

December 24 - Messiah - Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15

How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.

While Handel was still alive, he was recognized as a great classical composer.  Many say he democratized music, making it popular to a much wider public.  His oratorios, songs and instrumental pieces became part of England’s national culture and in Germany, while it happened after he died; the popularity of his music established him as a highly vaunted German composer.

Paul asks the question at the beginning of Romans 10:15, “And how are they to preach unless they are sent?” then quotes the verse from Isaiah 52:7.  Paul’s idea of a preacher is one who is a spokesman for God, not one with his own message and his own agenda.

It’s easy to read this and think about those who are ordained to stand in the pulpit on Sunday mornings (the picture today is of my father when he was very young).  But, if the old adage is true, that our actions speak louder than our words, it seems we are the ones God sends into the world to bring the message of peace and glad tidings of good things.

If these things are what God finds beautiful in us, how can we choose to be judgmental, mean and nasty, condescending or short-tempered with people we encounter on a daily basis?

James says, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be” (James 3:9-10).

This should not be.  Those who bring the gospel of peace; those who bring glad tidings of good things; those who tell the Good News of Jesus Christ, Messiah and Lord: they are the ones whom God finds to be beautiful.

Today - be beautiful!