Acts 12:11a, 12-15a, 16
“Then Peter came to himself and said, ‘Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches…’  When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary…where many people had gathered and were praying.  Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door.  When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, ‘Peter is at the door!’  ‘You’re out of your mind,’ they told her…But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.”

Matthew 28:5-7a, 8
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.  Come and see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples:  ‘He has risen from the dead…’  So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.”

Isaiah 52:7
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”

Great Father, you hear our midnight prayers and your salvation comes with the morning.

Though the miracle is immense, you entrust the message to the humble.  You choose the simple voice of a servant to proclaim your kingdom’s reign.

Prepare us to receive the good news of your presence amongst us.  May we in joyful witness announce your longed-for arrival, even to those most hesitant to hear.

We lift our requests to you in the name of the risen Christ, who brought us the gospel on his pierced and beautiful feet.

Listen to ‘How Marvelous’ by the Andy Needham Band