Advent Devotional

The Joy of the Watchers

Scripture: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'" — Isaiah 52:7 (NRSV)

Reflection:
Joy is not just for those who receive good news—it’s also for those who share it. Isaiah paints a vivid picture: the watchmen on the city walls lift up their voices and sing for joy as the messenger approaches with news of peace and salvation. The exiles will return. God is at work. The kingdom is near.

We, too, are watchers—and messengers. Advent invites us to be people who look for signs of God's work and speak hope into a weary world. It’s not always easy; joy may not feel natural in a broken world. But God’s messengers carry a deeper joy—anchored not in circumstances, but in the truth that “Your God reigns.”

Illustration:
A missionary once told of delivering Bibles to a remote village. As he approached, the villagers ran to meet him—not because he brought supplies or medicine, but because he brought the Word of God in their own language. One woman kissed the Bible and whispered, “Now we know He speaks our language.” For that village, the messenger’s feet were truly beautiful.

Prayer:
Fill my voice with your glad tidings, Lord.
Make me a watcher who rejoices and a messenger who brings hope.
Let my life speak the good news: our God reigns. Amen.