Dec. 22: Unite in praise, with all creation

By Annika Miller, a sophomore elementary education major from Scottdale, Pa.

Scripture: Psalm 148 (NRSV)

Praise the LORD. Psalm 148 calls us to join together in praising God. No matter who we are or where we’re from, we are called to come together. In the Christmas season especially, we need to remember to put aside our differences and celebrate the love God freely gives that unites us.

The psalm reminds us that God made everything and all of creation is called to praise God – from the angels in heaven to each individual piece of sand. Yet, it was for us that God “raised up a horn.” God sent God’s only son to earth for us because God so desperately wants to have a relationship with us. It’s through this relationship that – of all creation – we are held closest to God’s heart.

One of my favorite images of God is of God as a parent who embraces me, holds me close and completely surrounds me. This is one way I choose to visualize joining in and embracing a relationship with God. However you visualize it, it’s in choosing to engage in this relationship that we can truly praise God. We don’t do this quietly by ourselves, but loudly with all of creation.

This is an amazing gift of love God has given us, and during the Christmas season we need to remember to give it back to others. So, join creation in praising the LORD out loud. Celebrate God’s love for you. Share the gift with others.

Scripture: Psalm 148 (NRSV)

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!

²Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!

³Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!

⁴Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!

⁵Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.

⁶He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.

⁷Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,

⁸fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!

⁹Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!

¹⁰Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!

¹¹Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!

¹²Young men and women alike, old and young together!

¹³Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.

¹⁴He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the Lord!