Saturday, December 2, 2017

December 2

Daniel 9:1-11:1; 1 John 2:18-3:6; Psalm 121:1-8; Proverbs 28:27-28

It's Christmas-time.  We'll get our tree tonight, and the lights are already up on the house.  I've pulled out my sweaters (mostly wishful thinking here in SoCal), and the Christmas music is playing.  It's time for me to slow down and, like Mary, ponder the wonder of Jesus' birth in my heart.

Though we're far past the gospel accounts of Jesus' birth and though our Old Testament readings are full of dire prophecy, I can still be in a posture of awe at God's presence.  Immanuel.  God was born as man.  He came to be with and for us then, and he is so "with us" now.  I couldn't help think of this truth as I read Psalm 121 this morning.  What a psalm!

It can be prayed as a word of blessing over our children as they head off to college: "The Lord will keep you from all harm -- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore" (Ps. 121:7-8).  Isn't this what we want as our children leave our immediate protection and venture off?

It can be prayed as comfort over friends in distress: "The Lord watches over you -- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night" (P
s. 121:5-6).  For those in pain, for those in grief, this psalm offers hope that God sees them, hears them, covers and shades them.  They are not alone and unknown.

It can be prayed as self-talk, reminding us of truth: "Where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth" (Ps. 121:1-2).  When we ourselves are in crisis or doubt, these words preach to us, reminding us to trust in God alone.  The following verses show his attentiveness; he can care for us so well because he "will neither slumber nor sleep" (vs. 4).  Nothing will catch God by surprise; nothing will throw him for a loop.

Though it isn't a Christmas text, like early chapters in the gospels or some of Isaiah's prophecies, this psalm beautifully illustrates what "God with us" means.  I didn't think about these Immanuel-implications the first time we read Psalm 121 this year.  I'm grateful today for the structure of The One Year Bible as I get the chance to read it again through the lens of Advent.  The Lord is come!


- Sarah Marsh

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