Christmastide

January 4, 2023

Scripture Reading: Psalm 29

Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
   ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
   worship the Lord in holy splendor.

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
   the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
May the Lord give strength to his people!
   May the Lord bless his people with peace! –Psalm 29:1-2, 10-11

I think this scripture is simply trying to say: give God, God’s due. We need to recognize God’s strength and glory. Ascribe is a rather formal word in the English language. While it may be technically correct, I fear it loses some of the majesty (?) of the message the Psalmist is trying to describe. The paintings on the Sistine Chapel ceiling are ascribed to Michelangelo, but that acknowledgment does not get the point across regarding the wonder of his work. The verses between the two segments quoted above describe varied examples of God’s power on nature—fire, floods, and trees being swirled about. If we accept God’s strength and glory, we are prepared to face whatever challenges we may face.

One of my favorite songs as a child was It Is No Secret What God Can Do which seems to carry the same message but perhaps more subtly describing that God’s strength and glory are in God’s love.

The chimes of time ring out the news
Another day is through
Someone slipped and fell
Was that someone you?

… You may have longed for added strength
Your courage to renew
Do not be disheartened.
I have news for you

… It is no secret what God can do
What he has done for others
He’ll do for you
With arms wide open
He’ll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do

… There is no night, for in His light
You’ll never walk alone
You’ll always feel at home wherever you may roam
There is no power can conquer you
While God is on your side
Take Him at His promise
Don’t run away and hide

… It is no secret what God can do
What he has done for others
He’ll do for you
With arms wide open
He’ll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do…*

Prayer: Amen.

The song It is No Secret was written by Stuart Hamblen lyrics © Music Corp. Of America, Inc., Chappell Und Co Gmbh Co Kg

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.