Psalm 118:1-9, 19-29
A Song of Victory
1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let Israel say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the LORD say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
5 Out of my distress I called on the LORD;
the LORD answered me and set me in a broad place.
6 With the LORD on my side I do not fear.
What can mortals do to me?
7 The LORD is on my side to help me;
I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to put confidence in mortals.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the LORD.
20 This is the gate of the LORD;
the righteous shall enter through it.21 I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
22 The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This is the LORD’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day that the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.[c]
25 Save us, we beseech you, O LORD!
O LORD, we beseech you, give us success!
26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD.[d]
We bless you from the house of the LORD.
27 The LORD is God,
and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
up to the horns of the altar.[e]28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God; I will extol you.29 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
We’re standing at the gates of another new year in the Christian faith. The season of Advent invites us to walk thru the entrance to the path of discipleship. And the destination of the path is the Holy Child of Bethlehem. Victory is celebrated in our life as we welcome that Child more fully into our hearts. Today is another step in the life of righteousness. Let’s enjoy the journey.
Prayer
Thank you, God, for opening again for me the gates of righteousness. Let me seek a deeper relationship with the Christ-child as I live each day in the Advent season. Amen.
