Loving God, may the true power and peace of Christmas be with this dear reader today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Psalm 96: 1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. 4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised : he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. 9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth : the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved : he shall judge the people righteously. 11 Let the heavens rejoice , and let the earth be glad ; let the sea roar , and the fulness thereof. 12 Let the field be joyful , and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice 13 Before the LORD: for he cometh , for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. (KJV)
This psalm starts with something difficult for most people; new songs. In my life there have been "new song" moments where a song has come on the radio (I'm dating myself, I know) and immediately I knew that I liked that song. One was "Blue" by LeAnn Rimes. I remember exactly where we were and where we were going. And there have been others that I have immediately liked. In the sacred, a new hymnal for most people brings mixed responses and of course a mad dash to one's favorite hymns to see if they "made the cut" or if there really are new songs. And new songs don't come over very well the first time through. But some make lasting impressions such as "Tu Has Venido A La Orilla" or other hymns whose melody and message bring us great comfort and joy (that phrase is in a Christmas hymn!).
But true worship is not about us. It is about God as this psalm is reminding us. Christmas is about God and not about us. It is a worshipful time in which we remember the goodness and greatness of God. Christmas then as Christmas now, should involve all of creation as the psalmist sang. The presence of God's truth especially during a time of half-truths and outright lies, should serve to motivate us to righteousness.
PRAYER: Loving God, let this Christmas be all about You and Your love and truth for my life. May I seek to be more like You this day and all days. May I join the chorus of those singing Your praises and may we invite others to join us; this I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
