Christmas Day
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Written by Steven Joubert
As Catholics immersed in the Christmas liturgy for Mass during the day, we encounter Psalm 98, a profound symphony of praise that resonates with the festive celebration of the Incarnation. In the heart of the psalm lies a poignant phrase: "All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God." This verse encapsulates the transformative message of Christmas, revealing the lengths to which God is willing to go to save humanity.
The psalm begins with an invitation to sing a new song to the Lord, a song that echoes the marvels of God's deeds. Viewed in the context of Christmas, we can see just how significant this new song is. The Creator of the universe entering into human existence demonstrates the extraordinary lengths to which God is willing to go to reconcile and save His creation. The birth of Jesus Christ is the new song. There’s a new song, a new covenant being made with His people.
"God has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness to the nations." The birth of Christ is not a secret confined to a particular people or region. It is a universal revelation, a beacon of hope for all nations. As Catholics, we are called to recognize and share this universal salvation. The Christmas story challenges us to extend the message of God's love and redemption beyond our immediate circles, reaching the ends of the earth in both our actions and words.
"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth!" The joyous proclamation in this verse resonates with the exuberance of Christmas. The arrival of the Savior is not a quiet event but a cause for jubilant celebration. The psalm invites us to make music to the Lord, not only with instruments but with the melody of our lives. Showing the love and compassion to others exemplified by the Christ-child, makes our lives a harmonious offering to the Lord.
"All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God." This line encapsulates the heart of the Christmas message. The Incarnation is not a local event; it is a cosmic revelation. The birth of Jesus Christ marks the moment when the saving power of God becomes visible to the entire world. In the vulnerability of an infant lying in a manger, we witness the lengths God is willing to go to bridge the gap between divinity and humanity.
As we reflect on Psalm 98 during the Christmas liturgy, we are invited and challenged. The transformative message that the Church invites us to proclaim, "All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God”, must be shared. It is an evangelical message. Are we willing to show and tell others about the saving power of God?
Steven Joubert is a high school campus minister in Florida. He is a singer-songwriter and NOVUM RECORDS artist. You can find his music on Spotify, Apple Music, and/or wherever you stream your music. To keep up with Steven, follow him on Instagram.
Pray with today’s psalm.