As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
(As) cold waters to (literally, upon; cf. Isaiah 44:3 ) a thirsty soul, so (is) good news from a far country - (cf. Proverbs 25:13.) Such were "the good tidings of great joy" (Luke 2:10) brought by the angels from heaven to the shepherds. The exile hails with rapture the good news from his distant country of permission to return. Such is the effect of the Gospel message when accepted by any sinner long exiled from his Father's home.