You who bring good news to Zion,
go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good news to Jerusalem,
lift up your voice with a shout,
lift it up, do not be afraid;
say to the towns of Judah,
“Here is your God!”
Isaiah 40:9 NIV
Here is Your God
On their official website, Canada’s federal government introduces Canada this way: “Canada is known around the world as a strong and free country. Canadians are proud of their unique identity. We have inherited the oldest continuous constitutional tradition in the world. We are the only constitutional monarchy in North America. Our institutions uphold a commitment to Peace, Order, and Good Government, a key phrase in Canada’s original constitutional document in 1867, the British North America Act. A belief in ordered liberty, enterprise, hard work and fair play have enabled Canadians to build a prosperous society.”
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The Bible is filled with false gods. Every one of the nations around Israel had their own national or tribal god. The people built idols with their hands and then believed that somehow there was life and power in these manmade gods. This is ludicrous, of course. They were just inanimate objects. No wonder the Bible calls them gods that are no gods at all. (Jeremiah 16:20). So, it shouldn’t surprise us that the prophet said this in Isaiah 40:9: “You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, ‘Here is your God!’” When Jesus was born in a manger, the angels came to the shepherds. God was telling them “Here is your God.” When the wise men came and presented their gifts, they were introduced to their God. When we tell others about Jesus, we are telling them “Here is your God.” This is one of the greatest truths of Christmas – we are introduced to the One true God.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley