Introduction: The News That Changed the World
The birth of Christ was the moment when heaven’s silence broke and the long-awaited promise of redemption began to shine in full view. The angels declared good tidings of great joy for all people. But long before that night in Bethlehem, Isaiah had already seen it coming through the Spirit of God.
In Isaiah 52, the prophet stands on the mountains around Jerusalem and he sees a runner approaching the city. This messenger carries news so good that even his dusty feet are called beautiful. Not because of who he is, but because of what he brings. Good tidings of peace. Good tidings of salvation. Good tidings of the reign of God.
What Isaiah saw looking forward is the Gospel we look back upon with joy. The Servant has come. His birth has fulfilled the promise. His cross has secured redemption. His resurrection has confirmed His victory. And now the call of God goes out to the ends of the earth. Come unto Me.
I. The Joyful Proclamation
Isaiah 52:7 to 10
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings.”
In ancient days, runners carried news from the battlefield back to the city. The people waited anxiously for word. Victory or defeat. Life or death. Isaiah sees such a runner coming across the hills, and he is bringing the greatest announcement the world has ever heard. Thy God reigneth.
This is the Gospel in its simplest form. God reigns, not in theory, but in truth. His salvation is not a wish but an accomplished reality. What the prophet declared by faith, the angel declared with certainty. Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
In verse 8, the watchmen see eye to eye. Their voices lift together in joy because the Lord has returned comfort and restoration to His people. Then verse 10 widens the vision. All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. The Servant’s work was never limited to one nation. His salvation is for all who believe.
Application:
This proclamation now rests on the lips of every believer. The beauty of the messenger is found in the message. We are called to publish peace, to announce salvation, and to declare to a troubled world that God reigns through His risen Son. As this year closes, remember that the good news which began in Bethlehem is still the hope the world needs most.
II. The Universal Invitation
Isaiah 55:1 to 3
“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.”
Isaiah moves from proclamation to invitation. The Servant has come, and now the call goes out to every heart. The word Ho is the cry of a herald calling to the weary, the thirsty, the broken, and the sinful. Come.
Salvation is offered freely but must be received personally. The command to come appears again and again. Come to the waters. Come, buy and eat. Come without money and without price. This is the Gospel. It is not earned. It is received.
In verse 2, God asks a searching question. Why do you spend your life on things that cannot satisfy? Humanity pours time and effort into empty pursuits. Religion without life. Pleasure without peace. Success without rest. Only Christ can satisfy the hungry soul.
Then the promise. Incline your ear, and come unto me. Hear, and your soul shall live. God offers an everlasting covenant through the finished work of His Son, sealed by His blood, and extended to all who will come to Him.
Application: Christmas is more than a season to remember. It is a call to respond. The Servant’s work is complete, and the door of mercy is open. All who thirst for forgiveness, peace, and eternal life are invited to come. You bring no payment. You bring only your need. Christ provides the rest.
III. The Transforming Word
Isaiah 55:10 to 11
“For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven… so shall my word be.”
God compares His Word to rain and snow. Just as the rain waters the ground and brings seed to life, God’s Word never fails to accomplish His purpose. His promises do not fade into the air. They take root, bear fruit, and fulfill exactly what He intends.
When Christ came, He was the Word made flesh. The living fulfillment of every divine promise. Isaiah’s prophecy took on human form, and He accomplished redemption fully. It shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Christ came, not to make salvation possible, but to make salvation sure.
Application: We live in a world filled with empty words, broken promises, and uncertain voices. But the Word of God remains sure. Every prophecy fulfilled in Christ is proof that God’s Word never returns void. The birth of Christ was the downpour of grace on dry and thirsty souls. Wherever His Word is received, life follows.
IV. The Joyful Result
Isaiah 55:12 to 13
“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace.”
Isaiah ends this chapter with a picture of complete transformation. Those who come to the Servant leave with joy. Those who trust Him are led with peace. Even creation lifts its voice in praise. The mountains sing. The trees clap their hands. The redeemed walk in the joy of salvation and the peace of God.
This looks forward to the restoration of all things under the reign of Christ. When sin is removed and creation is renewed, the world itself will rejoice in its Redeemer.
Verse 13 gives a beautiful image of transformation. Instead of thorns, the fir tree. Instead of briers, the myrtle. Where sin once produced decay, salvation now brings beauty. The Servant restores not only hearts but all of creation.
Application: The same transforming power works in the hearts of believers today. When Christ enters a life, thorns give way to fruit, and briers give way to blossoms. The joy of salvation replaces the sorrow of sin. The peace of Christ replaces the turmoil of fear. His work is complete and His joy is full.
Conclusion: The Servant Has Come
What Isaiah saw in vision has been fulfilled in the coming of Christ. The proclamation has been made. The invitation has been given. The Word has accomplished its purpose. The Servant has come.
The birth of Christ was not the opening chapter of a story. It was the arrival of the One who would complete it. From the cradle to the cross. From the cross to the crown. His message remains the same. Thy God reigneth.
As this year draws to a close, let us not only remember that Christ came. Let us rejoice that He reigns. And let us give thanks that His invitation still stands for all who will come.
