Scripture: Psalm 148 (NRSV)
The excitement at Christmas was always palpable when our children were young. As we each took turns selecting a gift from under the tree, they watched with anticipation to see the mystery revealed beneath the wrapping. What fun for both givers and receivers alike during the joyful exchange!
One gift stands out in my memory. The contents of that particular box brought shouts of glee from all four children, but our second son, age eight, was especially animated. He raced through the house, down the stairs and back up. He jumped into my arms exclaiming, “thank you, thank you!” Then, pumping his fists, he ran around the room again, whooping, hollering and leaping. I have the photos and video that captured his exuberance! And I can tell you, his parents received as much joy in the giving as he did in the receiving. What a guy, what unbridled joy, and what a memory!
“Oh, That You Would Reveal Your Mystery” has been our Advent theme, and at last this week, the waiting is over! God’s glory is revealed, and all creation shouts for joy. With the psalmist in today’s text we cry over and over, “Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”
The call to praise is first shouted to the highest heights, the heavens and everything above the earth. Then all things on the earth and under the earth are commanded to praise the Lord. Finally, all peoples are given the exhortation – rulers and children, young and old, women and men – no one is excluded in the joyful celebration. God’s beauty is revealed: Christ the Savior is born! We all join in jubilant praise, and rejoice together!
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!