Excerpted from 2025 Advent Guide: Lighting the Way Forward, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches.
Psalm 72: 1-7
Give the king your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to a king’s son.
May he judge your people with righteousness
and your poor with justice.
May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,
and the hills, in righteousness.
May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the needy,
and crush the oppressor.
May he live while the sun endures
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth.
In his days may righteousness flourish
and peace abound, until the moon is no more.
Psalm 72: 18-19
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous things.
Blessed be his glorious name forever;
may his glory fill the whole earth.
Amen and Amen.
The righteous shall flourish
This Psalm is both a prayer and a prophecy, describing the ideal ruler whose reign is marked by justice, compassion, prosperity, and universal rule. In a time when the world feels restless and uncertain, it is good to be reminded of the biblical description of an ideal leader, whether it’s national, state, and local government, or school superintendents, healthcare providers, and family systems. Anyone who holds power and influence over others would do well to read this description.
This Psalm reminds us that leadership shaped by love and righteousness is essential—and we each have a part to play in bringing that vision to fruition. Sometimes the work is quiet and deliberate: writing letters to our representatives encouraging them to act with fairness and compassion. Other times, it is bold and public: joining in peaceful demonstrations like Moral Monday or No Kings Day. Always we are called to stand for the justice and dignity of all people.
In every act of faithfulness—whether large or small—we echo the hope of this ancient song. We become part of the prayer it sings: the prayer hat our world will one day be ruled not by power or pride, but by the enduring strength of justice, mercy, and love.
“May they defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor.” There is no better time to stand up for justice than now when the very definition of justice is challenged from all sides. With the help of Immanuel, God with us, all things are possible when we have faith and do our part!
God of hope,
As we joyfully await the glorious coming of Christ,
we pray to you for the needs of the church and the world.
Hear our humble prayer that we may serve you in holiness and faith
and give voice to your presence among us
until the day of the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
