Psalms of Christmas
Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed. Psalm 2:1-2
One of the most striking aspects of Jesus’ birth is its humility. Our Savior was not born in a palace to rich and famous parents; rather, He was laid in a manger because His unknown parents had no place to stay in Bethlehem. Indeed, this lowly birth testifies to how Christ, our Savior and King, humbled Himself for us.
The first section of Psalm 2 (verses 1-8) shows the “kings the earth” and “the rulers tak[ing] counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed,” but their actions are futile: “The Lord shall hold them in derision” (Psalm 2:2) The most powerful kings and rulers of this world are puny and insignificant in the sight of God and His Anointed Son and King. Indeed, this King is God’s own Son and His equal: “I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to ME, You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.” (Psalm 2:7)
It is quite a paradox: the lowly Christ child, lying in the manger, is also the all-powerful, begotten Son of God, a King Who could scoff at the irrelevance of the most powerful world leaders and nations. Yet, the power He brings is not earthly revenge and destruction but heavenly peace. The peace on earth that the angels sing of at Christ’s birth is the ultimate peace that comes through Christ in the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’ angelic host proclaim, “Chris is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
The Lutheran Hymnal 94:1