Psalms of Christmas
Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Psalm 96:1
This psalm of praise reminds us of the glory and joy of Christ’s coming to earth to bring about our salvation. This psalm, along with Psalms 97 and 98, practically bursts with joy. This is the same joy we feel, through faith, from the awesomeness of our deliverance from sin and death. This “new song” fits with the coming of the new covenant of being saved by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Indeed, the LORD’s coming is so great that all of creation responds to it: “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; Let the field be joyful and all that is in it.” (Psalm 96:11-12a)
It is good to praise and give thanks to the LORD for all He has done for us because it is a recognition that we are dependent on Him for everything, including our salvation. What a relief! We are free from the burden of trying to earn our way to heaven and never knowing if we have done enough. This joy, however, is also something we want to share with others: “Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among the peoples.” (Psalm 96:2-3) We are reminded here to praise the LORD all the time, “day to day” and in all places to all people. While the angels had the privilege of singing the praises of our Savior on Christmas night, we have this same privilege every day!
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit preserves our Christmas wonder and joy year-round and that we share this good news with others.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King;
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room
And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.
The Lutheran Hymnal 87:1