Christmas Day
Preaching
Aids To The Psalms
Exploring The Message
The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.
Fire goes before him,
and consumes his adversaries on every side.
His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his righteousness;
and all the peoples behold his glory.
All worshipers of images are put to shame,
those who make their boast in worthless idols;
all gods bow down before him.
Zion hears and is glad, and the towns of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O God.
For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the lives of his faithful;
he rescues them from the hand of the wicked.
Light dawns for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!
Alternate Image
The Singer attends a party. It is hectic. People are jostling
each other in crowded rooms, while the host busily introduces
people haphazardly and no one really meets anyone else. The
hostess barks orders at the caterer who has food tables strewn in
various locations. Some of the tables are empty, others have food
or drink falling on the floor. The host and hostess have hired a
band who have set up in adjacent rooms. One band is playing
classical music and the other country-western tunes. What a mess.
The Singer leaves the party with nerves jangled.
The Singer attends a second party. She is warmly greeted at
the door by a group of well-wishers. One of the group takes her
by the hand and introduces her to the other party attenders.
Tables of food are inconspicuously present always with a nice
assortment of food and beverage. The service help move quietly
and efficiently through the crowd picking up discarded plates and
glasses. There is soft music playing in the background that adds
a feeling of graciousness to the gathering. The Singer thoroughly
enjoys herself the whole evening, meeting new people, renewing
old acquaintances, delighting in food, drink and conversation.
This is a party that truly makes the participants feel welcome
and happy. As the Singer prepares to leave the party she realizes
that not once has she seen her host, yet his or her presence has
been felt everywhere she was. It is a good feeling.
Reflection
"The Lord is king." Poor kings or hosts live in chaos. They
are not in control and therefore what they seek to rule is out of
control. That is the way our lives would be without God. But the
Lord is king. God may hide in clouds and fire but the evidence of
God abounds in life; there is order in God's creation. When we
focus on our parties, our own endeavors, the world appears
chaotic to us and we are rendered anxious beings. When we focus
on God, when we seek the Christ child and the Christ adult, when
we center our thoughts on the worship of our king, life takes on
meaning and clear pattern. The light of clear vision dawns upon
us and we feel secure and loved. Such is the comfort of God's
sovereignty.
let the many coastlands be glad!
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.
Fire goes before him,
and consumes his adversaries on every side.
His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his righteousness;
and all the peoples behold his glory.
All worshipers of images are put to shame,
those who make their boast in worthless idols;
all gods bow down before him.
Zion hears and is glad, and the towns of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O God.
For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the lives of his faithful;
he rescues them from the hand of the wicked.
Light dawns for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!
Alternate Image
The Singer attends a party. It is hectic. People are jostling
each other in crowded rooms, while the host busily introduces
people haphazardly and no one really meets anyone else. The
hostess barks orders at the caterer who has food tables strewn in
various locations. Some of the tables are empty, others have food
or drink falling on the floor. The host and hostess have hired a
band who have set up in adjacent rooms. One band is playing
classical music and the other country-western tunes. What a mess.
The Singer leaves the party with nerves jangled.
The Singer attends a second party. She is warmly greeted at
the door by a group of well-wishers. One of the group takes her
by the hand and introduces her to the other party attenders.
Tables of food are inconspicuously present always with a nice
assortment of food and beverage. The service help move quietly
and efficiently through the crowd picking up discarded plates and
glasses. There is soft music playing in the background that adds
a feeling of graciousness to the gathering. The Singer thoroughly
enjoys herself the whole evening, meeting new people, renewing
old acquaintances, delighting in food, drink and conversation.
This is a party that truly makes the participants feel welcome
and happy. As the Singer prepares to leave the party she realizes
that not once has she seen her host, yet his or her presence has
been felt everywhere she was. It is a good feeling.
Reflection
"The Lord is king." Poor kings or hosts live in chaos. They
are not in control and therefore what they seek to rule is out of
control. That is the way our lives would be without God. But the
Lord is king. God may hide in clouds and fire but the evidence of
God abounds in life; there is order in God's creation. When we
focus on our parties, our own endeavors, the world appears
chaotic to us and we are rendered anxious beings. When we focus
on God, when we seek the Christ child and the Christ adult, when
we center our thoughts on the worship of our king, life takes on
meaning and clear pattern. The light of clear vision dawns upon
us and we feel secure and loved. Such is the comfort of God's
sovereignty.
