Scripture: Psalm 148 (NRSV)
DEVOTIONAL:
During Advent, we typically focus closely on the coming of God’s gift, his son Jesus. We praise him for that and show our gratitude in different ways. God has given us more than his Son, but he has blessed us with such a beautiful earth to live on. God burst in and created the heavens and the earth, and we give him our ultimate praise.
The language of this passage is beautiful because it begins with the exclaiming praises of the heavens, and continues on, describing the different parts of God’s creation that are showing praise. The skies and waters, the mountains and trees, the animals that cover the earth, princes and kings, people of all kinds, even the stormy weather and sea monsters of the great deep. God is above all creation, and deserves to be honored and praised. Whenever I step outside, I cannot help but be amazed at God’s incredibly beautiful world. Even in the pouring rain, God’s creation is exclaiming his name. I feel God’s presence and hear creation’s praise through the roaring of the wind, the beauty of the white snow and the chirping of the birds. God shows his light on the earth both physically and spiritually. He sent his son to be a light to us, and as we anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we can praise God for all of his wonderful gifts to us.
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!