Day Twenty-Nine
Monday, December 25
Psalm 138 and Hebrews 1:1-4
"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands."
Psalm 138:8
Psalm 138:8
Good morning, Christmas! Good morning and welcome, Christ child born to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem! The season of waiting has ended and the King of kings, the Lord of Lords, has come. It is Christmas day and I celebrate the One who came as a gift of the Father’s love to me, to all of us, and to the whole world.
Throughout the years, my family and I have celebrated the newborn child. Highlights of these celebrations include reading the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke, interspersed with Christmas carols. We’ve shared delicious meals with those who have no family. In our home and in our life together, we have experienced concrete evidence of his coming.
On this Christmas Day, my perspective extends from his birth to his reign, as he sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for me in heaven. The psalmist recognizes the Lord’s rule and reign in heaven and on earth as he sings his praises. With his whole heart, the psalmist proclaims his thanks for the Lord’s steadfast love and faithfulness. With my whole heart, I join in giving the Lord thanks for the reality and experiences of his covenant love and faithfulness. All of his paths, unceasing and new every morning—and enduring forever— are descriptions of his steadfast love and faithfulness.
The Psalmist writes in verse 3, “on the day, I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you have increased.” In the days and seasons of my life, by his grace, I am a recipient of his answered prayers. In times of trouble, pertinent Scripture verses and tangible experiences were answers to the prayers of my heart. In times of need, anonymous monetary gifts were his provision. In times of grief, comfort from the “God of all comfort” was my saving grace. In unexpected times, showers of blessing through jacaranda flowers gently floating down onto my car, the momentary drizzle of rain blessing me like the morning dew, and the Lord’s sweet expressions of love have increased the strength of my soul.
As the Psalmist concludes in Psalm 138:8, I count on him to “fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” I hope in Jesus Christ who has come, for eternity is just around the corner.
Throughout the years, my family and I have celebrated the newborn child. Highlights of these celebrations include reading the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke, interspersed with Christmas carols. We’ve shared delicious meals with those who have no family. In our home and in our life together, we have experienced concrete evidence of his coming.
On this Christmas Day, my perspective extends from his birth to his reign, as he sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for me in heaven. The psalmist recognizes the Lord’s rule and reign in heaven and on earth as he sings his praises. With his whole heart, the psalmist proclaims his thanks for the Lord’s steadfast love and faithfulness. With my whole heart, I join in giving the Lord thanks for the reality and experiences of his covenant love and faithfulness. All of his paths, unceasing and new every morning—and enduring forever— are descriptions of his steadfast love and faithfulness.
The Psalmist writes in verse 3, “on the day, I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you have increased.” In the days and seasons of my life, by his grace, I am a recipient of his answered prayers. In times of trouble, pertinent Scripture verses and tangible experiences were answers to the prayers of my heart. In times of need, anonymous monetary gifts were his provision. In times of grief, comfort from the “God of all comfort” was my saving grace. In unexpected times, showers of blessing through jacaranda flowers gently floating down onto my car, the momentary drizzle of rain blessing me like the morning dew, and the Lord’s sweet expressions of love have increased the strength of my soul.
As the Psalmist concludes in Psalm 138:8, I count on him to “fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” I hope in Jesus Christ who has come, for eternity is just around the corner.
Carol Sato is a grandmother who continues to learn what it means to follow Jesus.