What about the "arduino".
The esp8266 parts are cheap, have gobs of resources and you can do some amazing things since it includes wifi.
7219 is fine. I'd recommend buying premade modules or a "4 in 1" module. 4 in 1 modules cost about USD $6 off ebay.
It isn't worth trying to wire them up as the part cost will likely be more and the amount of wires to deal with is extremely painful and can get very messy.
If you go the 7219 route, you may want to consider the parola library as you can then scroll messages and have some fancy effects as well.
wifi capability adds lots of potential. Examples:
- time server updates so a clock module would not really be needed.
- configure the device - like set timezone, options etc...
- fetch the local outdoor temperature from a weather underground server
- local weather forecasts
- stock market updates
--- bill