Today’s scripture: Psalm 96:1-9 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Kristen Herrmann):
This holiday season, my three-year-old son has been rehearsing the song “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” for his preschool’s Christmas pageant. Each time he repeats the phrase, “We wish you a Merry Christmas,” he gestures with his arm like he’s doing a pirate “arrrggghhh.” At the end of the verse, he stretches out his arms and waves his hands while saying, “Merry Christmas!” It’s adorable.
He recognizes Christmas as a season for presents. Due to his young age, he can’t comprehend the gift of Jesus’ life. Although, to be fair, I’m not sure if any human can fully understand the magnitude of this gift. The Christmas season is a wonderful time to reflect upon the promise a life in Christ gives. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, we can take comfort in the new beginning His life brought (and continues to bring) to humanity.
A new beginning is what GMA’s anchor Robin Roberts shared with viewers via video footage of her in the hospital after her bone marrow transplant. Strong enough to sit in a chair while getting her hair cut, she cries as she listens to her sister sing, “Rejoice, Rejoice, Emanuel.” Keeping with the melody, her sister ends the verse singing, “We love you, dear sister. Yes we do. This is a new beginning for you.”.
Today’s reading starts with a directive to sing to God. No matter where we are in our life’s journey, there is a song that can be sung. What better way to start another year of promise this Christmas day?
Thought for the day: What is your song?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.