Advent Devotion - December 18th

21st Day of Advent
Written by: Carolyn Champagne

Reading: Psalm 98:4-9

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
The world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands;
Let the hills sing together for joy
At the presence of the Lord, for he is coming
To judge the earth.
Psalm 98: 7-9

The Psalms is a book of many writings by different people used by individuals, communities and kings. Psalms means “praises”. It is an accumulation of 150 prayers, songs, liturgies and poems. Psalm 98 is a hymn of praise which gives witness to God’s love and grace. In these verses the writer even calls up the roaring sea and the floods, as symbols of the chaos that resists God’s will. The psalmist calls them to praise the Lord, for the Lord is coming in judgment.

This writing sounds so scary and overwhelming, but at the same time I see beauty and the Lord all around. I hear singing, music and laughter. It helps me to visualize the beauty of our world and how much more beautiful it will be in heaven. When you read the words doesn’t it make you want to sing along? Just like the Christmas music we sing this time of year. You want to sing out and praise our Lord. What a joyful time it is. “Make a joyful noise to the Lord!”

Jesus, Lord and Savior, thank you for bringing us these glorious psalms to glorify your name. Let the words we speak sing praises to you and to your glory. Amen.