Advent, Day 8

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Psalm 148
Kelly Breen Boyce

Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights above.
Psalm 148 describes God’s inherent nature as deserving of worship and his sovereignty over all. Therefore, it is right and fitting that everything in and of the earth should give glory to God–both material and immaterial aspects of creation–the sun, moon, angels, mountains and kings. During this chilly winter month, it is an especially reassuring reminder that all of creation, even the snow and stormy winds (vs. 8) are subject to his bidding. Indeed, everyone should “praise the name of the Lord” (vs. 5).

How does this psalm declaring the power and sovereignty of God inform our understanding of Advent?

One of the great mysteries of our faith is the seemingly dialectical nature of our Lord–his sovereignty and his immanence. Cognitively, this complex duality offers a lifetime of rich exploration. Emotionally, the powerful God of the universe having “pitched his tent among us” supplies comfort and hope. He is simultaneously governing the entire universe and yet is as close, as human and as personal as a newborn baby. Today, during Advent, may God grant us a special awareness of his most intimate presence.

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