A Passage for Advent

As we prepare our hearts for our Christmas celebration and focus our advent devotions on Psalm 119, this Friday, we will be in verses 89-96.

Your eternal Word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven. 

Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. 

Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. 

If your instructions hadn't sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. 

I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life. 

I am yours; rescue me! For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments. 

Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, 

I will quietly keep my mind on your laws. 

Even perfection has its limits, 

but your commands have no limit.

The connection between Psalm 119 and Christmas comes in the rich language of the word of God in Psalm 119 and the Word that became flesh. While the author of this particular Psalm, more than likely, did not view Jesus as the subject of the Psalm, I think it is an appropriate re-interpretation of this ancient Psalm akin to what one of Jesus' earliest disciples did. The introductory remarks of John in his gospel are quite distinctive in light of Psalm 119:

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone... So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son.     - John 1:1–4, 14

As we soon celebrate the eternal Word of God that became flesh and dwelt here among us, let us begin to consider what role the permanent and eternal word of God plays in our daily life. Of all the various things we will decorate, eat, buy, and enjoy this Christmas (most of which is temporal), how will we prepare ourselves immersed in the truths of God's unlimited word?

This section of the Psalms challenges us to consider the difference between what endures and what fades. The Psalmist focuses on God's Word as eternal, unending, and unlimited. What an incredibly high view of Scripture!

As we head into the weekend, let it challenge us to consider: does our view of Scripture align with the Psalmist?

I hope to see you on Sunday!

-Bradley