Psalm 96-98: Christmas: It's About Giving Thanks

Lectionary Cycle Year B: Christmas Eve / Day
Psalm 96-98 (Read it on Bible Gateway)
Christmas: It's About Giving Thanks
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For Christmas, we also have three different Psalms selected, but all of them carry a very similar message, so let's look at the overarching themes of each of these.

First is God's greatness, majesty and power. Each of these Psalms, through very vivid imagery, reminds us of God's greatness. We are reminded that God is creator of the heavens and the earth, and that God still reigns over that creation despite rumors to the contrary! God's rule is lifted above other so-called gods, and far above any mortal who might claim such. It extends through all the earth and the very earth proclaims and celebrates that rule.

Second is God's righteousness, fairness, and faithfulness. We see in several passages that God's reign will be one of justice, that God's judgments will be ones of equity, that God's coming will be marked by grace, compassion and deliverance. God's promises will not be left unfulfilled; God's cleansing of the wicked and God's lifting up of the faithful will be brought to fruition.

Third, we are to find comfort and assurance in the affirmation of these promises and their eventual fulfillment. We shall not have to live in the darkness, or under the heel of our oppressors. We will not have to suffer injustice or end betrayed of all our hopes. God's promises to us are sure and in this we can find all the hope we need.

Fourth, we should absolutely rejoice over all the above.

Indeed, there are many things about the world that seem troublesome and outright frightening. War and violence continue to be waged throughout the earth. The false promises of the American dream continue to collapse into economic instability. Humanity seems at times more divided and divisive than ever.

Yet, in the midst of all these things there is still hope and faith. In the midst of all this, there are still miracles. The world, no matter how dark, how troubled, can still find a dawn. For every story of war or broken relationships, there is a coming together in peace and new relationships forged. For every story of loss, there is a story of something regained. For every fear...there is hope.

Christmas is a time of miracles, a time of hope and a time of rejoicing and giving thanks. No matter what trials and challenges we have faced as individuals, or indeed as a nation, or a world filled with humanity, we have also much to celebrate, much to rejoice over and much for which we should fall to our knees and give thanks to God.

As Christians, we should be that ongoing light of hope and joy in the midst of the world. We are to be the light of Christ. After all, if we don't have reason to give thanks, what does the rest of the world have?


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