Today's Readings: Genesis 3:9–20; Psalm 98; Ephesians 1:3–12
We’ve studied many Psalms in our sermon series during the past few months. Some of despair, some of lament, some of thanksgiving. Reading Psalm 98, we find pure praise, joy, and celebration. The whole earth shouting, seas resounding, rivers clapping and mountains singing. Imagine that!
What is the reason for this celebration? The victory of our God! All the ends of the earth have seen it. His marvelous wonders display it. His faithfulness is evidence of it.
At Christmas, we celebrate the faithfulness of God’s promise in the form of a tiny baby, born in a lowly manger. But Psalm 98 points us not only to God’s faithfulness through this miraculous incarnation; it also rejoices in the promise that He will come again to judge the world He created. It would be natural to be fearful of being put to this test. Have we done enough? Did we love our neighbor enough? Will we hear the words, “Well done?” But we can rest in the assurance that He will judge the world righteously and the people fairly. And our faith in His redemption and forgiveness has won the victory!
One of the things I like about the Christmas season is that it seems everyone and everything, for the most part, is focused on the holiday. Commercials, the Hallmark Channel, store ads, and school projects are all tied to some aspect of Christmas. Almost everyone celebrates something on December 25th. Or at least they take a break from their normal routine and spend the day with family or doing something fun and relaxing. There is a feeling of excitement in the air! As Christians, we enjoy these same festivities too, but above all, we celebrate the faithfulness of God in the form of a baby who became our King seated on His throne. Faith is our victory that has overcome the world!
