Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches.
Psalm 148
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!
Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded and they were created.
He established them forever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
Praise the Lord from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!
Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!
In an age of uncertainty, finding hope can feel like searching for a distant star in a stormy sky. Yet, through the embodiment of faith, we can see hope all around us. On this first Sunday after Christmas, the wisdom of Psalm 148 teaches us that hope is always near. Hope is not confined within our hearts, but echoes throughout creation itself.
When we look at the vastness of the sky or the depth of the ocean, these wonders echo the truth that hope is near. The elements of nature remind us that there is a splendor to life, a cycle that includes both challenges and growth. Just as cedar trees endure storms to stand tall, we too can find resilience in adversity. The psalm inspires us to seek hope actively. Whether through the beauty of nature, the warmth of community, or the unwavering trust in God’s promises, hope is near.
Amid life’s highs and lows, let us never forget, hope is always within reach, waiting to be embraced. The universe stands as a testament to the Creator’s love, calling us to look up, live boldly, and praise passionately. May we go forth with hope guiding our steps today and always.
