Ringing the Bells of Witness

As we move toward the New Year, let's discuss the symbolism of bells, which we hear so often at this time of year. Bells are designed to be heard far and wide, announcing important news, signaling celebration, or calling people to attention.

The triumphant ringing of the Christmas season should remind us of our calling to be a witness to the good news we’ve spent the whole month reflecting on.

The prophet Isaiah captured the joy of the messenger perfectly (Isaiah 52:7, KJV): "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"

We are those messengers! We are the ones who have seen the great light, felt the unstoppable love, and embraced the Prince of Peace. We can't keep that quiet.

When we share the love of Christ, we are ringing the bells of witness:

• We bring good tidings (the news of Christ’s birth).

• We publish peace (the reconciliation offered through Christ).

• We publish salvation (the promise of everlasting life).

• We declare, "Thy God reigneth!" (the sovereignty of the Christ-child).

The beauty of the message is that you don't have to be a preacher or a scholar to share it. You just need to be a joyful, grateful person willing to talk about what Jesus has done for you.

My encouragement today is to intentionally ring the bell. Speak a word of hope to someone. Share your testimony of Christ’s faithfulness. You have the best news in the world—the news that the King has come! Let your life be the loud, clear, beautiful bell that calls others to attention and points them toward the Savior.