The Rev. Betty Angelini '09, Executive Director, Crestfield Camp and Conference Center, Slippery Rock, Pa.
Scripture
Psalm 150
1 Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty firmament!
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his surpassing greatness!
3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with clanging cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
Devotional
Ten more days to go! How are your preparations coming along? Are your cards sent? Are your presents bought? Are your cookies baked?
Music at Christmas time abounds. Every artist-contemporary, jazz, country western, rap, rock-has their rendition of a Christmas album/CD. They are singing about snow and cozy fires and even reindeers playing all kinds of games. This music is fun, and sentimental, and perhaps even memory making. But, is this music preparing our hearts for the Incarnation-one of the most central events in our salvation history?
In Psalm 150, the whole orchestra is making music to Praise the Lord. Praising the Lord-for our triune God cares for us so much that God’s mighty works and unequaled greatness are demonstrated by the Lord’s loving gift of sending God’s son, Jesus, in the flesh to us. Now that is something to sing about! Let’s praise the Lord by singing a joyful noise together as we prepare our hearts and wait for Emmanuel!
Ten days left to prepare. Is your heart singing Joy to the World? Are you praising the Lord this Advent? This year? With your life?
Prayer
Lord God, as we await the arrival of Emmanuel may we sing with joy with all of heart to your glory for all the blessings you have showered upon us, especially the birth of your son! As we praise you Lord, may our gratitude for all of your blessings be evident. Thank you for all the gifts we have received, especially the gift of Jesus in a manger. Amen.