Focus

Take time to rest in the comfort of the Lord today.

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Read

Psalm 148 (NRSV)

Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!
Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created.
He established them forever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
Praise the LORD from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!
Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
He 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!

 

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Reflect

“Joy to the world the Lord is come; let earth receive her King… and heaven and nature sing.” Christ came to redeem all of God’s creation. Because he is the Word made Flesh we recognize that all things are ultimately intended to participate in the glorious symphony of praise to the Creator. Christmas marks the coming of the Word made Flesh to the world to dwell among us – among it all.

God loves it all and it is all intended to bless and praise God. Yes, God loves all humanity, but God also loves earth’s fields and forests, its valleys and streams. Every living creature, both great and small was pronounced good and esteemed by its Creator. Thus, the psalmist calls on all nature, all things, and all the created order to praise God.

And note the command “Praise the LORD” is stated at both the beginning and end of the psalm. A reminder for us to begin and end each day giving praise to the loving creator of the universe who was revealed to us in human form that we might recognize and understand. Isaac Watts grasped this idea when he wrote, “Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns… while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy.” What a beautiful picture of how we as believers should praise God. Are you singing your part in this great choir?

 

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Pray

Creator God, we join with all of creation in proclaiming your majesty and your love. Forgive us when we forget to give you the praise and awe you are due. May we begin each day with a song of praise in our hearts and on our lips; may each day end with the unending song of praise. Amen.

 

Go with God!