80; 146, 147
2 Sam. 7:18-29 Gal. 3:1-14 Luke 1:57-66
Psalm 147 contains praise for the many amazing attributes of the God of Israel. This God is the creator of all the universe, and yet is only fully known by the nation descended from Jacob. This God can scatter massive hailstones like breadcrumbs, and yet is attendant to those who are outcast and wounded. This God is all-powerful, and yet desires to be in relationship with human beings, by providing them with his word. Perhaps the most striking thing about this psalm is that it is written almost entirely in the present tense: God IS. God’s greatness and love and mercy are “everywhere present and filling all things”, as the Eastern Orthodox Divine Liturgy says.
As we approach Christmas Day, when we celebrate the Incarnation of God’s word, it is good to be reminded that the Incarnation is an ever-present reality. Rather than being merely a historical event from 2,000 years ago, the Incarnation is God’s eternal reaching out to us, to bring us into God’s eternal being. Indeed, a song of praise IS fitting, for all time.
Eternal God, help us to dwell in the present with you. May our hearts respond to your ever-loving embrace. Amen.
Listen to Meghan read her Advent meditation and prayer:
One Response
So beautifully said ❤️