Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”

Isaiah 40:9

By: Tabitha H. Rudy

News. 

What thoughts or emotions does this word create in you?  If you are like me, you struggle with the news.  It’s hard to stay up to date on every breaking story.  It’s hard to listen, sometimes, when you know most of what you hear will be negative and divisive.

Our news flies at us from every direction and position.  Gone are the days when our sources are few and straightforward.  But, what about the news we share with others?  We cannot hold others accountable for news they share unless we, too, are willing to consider our own proclamations.

A voice commands, “Cry out!”  Another voice wonders, “What shall I cry?”  Indeed, what shall we cry?  What can we proclaim to those with whom we speak?  Our words which are spoken, typed, tweeted, and sung all matter.  The question remains: What shall we cry?

As a church we celebrate accomplished goals, yet we long for a golden past.  What shall we cry?

As a church we strive to be relevant, yet we shy from tough questions which conjure up fear and doubt.  What shall we cry?

As a church we pray for peace, yet we hesitate to speak the truth in love.  What shall we cry?

It was proclaimed that Mary would have a child whose reign would never end.  As Mary -- a young, unwed and expectant woman -- entered her own season of preparation, I believe she also wondered, “What shall I cry?” 

“Here is your God!”  God is here encouraging our voices.  God is here calling us to speak.  What will we lift up?  What will we proclaim from the mountain?