The Longest Night - December 21, 2022

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 72; PM Psalm 111, 113; Isa. 28:9-22; Rev. 21:9-21; Luke 1:26-38

Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,

who alone does wondrous deeds!

And blessed be his glorious Name for ever!

and may all the earth be filled with his glory. Amen. Amen. (Psalm 72:18-19)

These stanzas above are the final verses of Psalm 72, appointed for this morning. This psalm of prayer and praise to God guides our eyes and minds to focus on the justice that God will bring to all of creation. Rather than flowing through the hand of the Divine, this prayer asks that justice be made manifest through a King over the peoples. Through that King, the Lord God will reign.

In this psalm, justice and righteousness do not result in the smiting of those who are awful. Neither will YHWH extinguish the evil. Rather, the prayer outlines how the compassion of God will be demonstrated through the acts of the King, extending care and protection to those who are needy, poor, and vulnerable. The King will bring nourishment and salvation. This King will bring redemption, not fiery condemnation. All hearts will bow down to this King, offering gifts and honor. And so, as the psalmist prays, "Long may he live!" followed by a sequence of hopes: may much gold be sent to him from Arabia; may people always pray for him; may people bless him all day, every day...with this crescendo: "May his Name remain for ever and be established as long as the sun endures; may all the nations bless themselves in him and call him blessed."

While this psalm was written long before Jesus, it sure does sound like it is pointing toward the reign hoped for in the Messiah's coming. A King like no other: The King of kings. The Lord of lords. And He shall reign forever. And ever.

With God, all things are possible. Healing and peace. Care and hope. On this day, the shortest of our calendar year, I pray that the words of this psalm create a thread of hopefulness and light, as you cast your eyes upon the Savior. On this the longest night, may you bless the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous deeds. May all the earth be filled with God's glory. Amen. Amen.

Katherine+

Questions for Reflection 

What images come to mind when you think of a godly leader? Who do you consider to be a righteous leader serving God? What qualities does that person exhibit? What habits help sustain their grounding in God?

Daily Challenge

Sit in intentional prayer today. Remember those struggling - the poor, the needy, the lonely, the dying. This is the winter solstice...and the day with the least amount of sunshine. Pray for those surrounded by darkness this day and night.