Read Psalm 122
Our last Advent reading spoke of our future trek to God’s mountain, and this psalm gives us a “song” to accompany our march. It’s known as a “psalm of ascent” because pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for holy days and festivals would sing this collection of psalms as they went up the mountain to Jerusalem.
For our Advent journey, “Let us go to the house of the Lord,” and be glad as the psalmist. We’re called into community with other believers for this special time. While we may not be headed to Jerusalem, we can gather with our own church friends and give thanks.
What are we thankful for? The answer to that question will differ for everyone. However, we can all share in reflecting on the blessings of the season. We have Jesus. Not only do we have the infant King Jesus we celebrate at Christmas, we have the risen King Jesus who defeated the grave and promised he will return one day.
For those “in the world” rather than followers of Jesus, the Christmas season is a time of parties, merriment, and good cheer alone. How tragic that they miss out on the full spectrum of beauty we know and cherish. We have Jesus. He is the true reason for the season.
If you take away Jesus, there is no Christ in Christmas. This holiday would be “Mas” instead, and in Spanish that means “more.” In an age of materialism out of control and self-fulfillment at an alarming level, “Mas” does sound like what this holiday has become for many. More presents, more parties, more travel, more stress.
What about the humility of the manger? Jesus was born in a lowly stable to a young Jewish couple. We know that and celebrate that God wanted to come and become human. He wanted to truly know our pain, our joy, our ability to love. God was experiencing humanity in such a miraculous way.
Psalm 122 is the perfect psalm for the new year, and I don’t mean in January. Advent is the dawning of a new church year, even though the calendar still says December. The glad tidings of this psalm can ring out for all believers as we prepare our hearts for the first and second coming of Jesus.
This psalm also recognizes Jerusalem as a key and holy location. We are to respect this city perched on a hill. I’ve heard Jerusalem referred to as Mount Zion, the mountain of God. The psalmist wishes well those who love Jerusalem when he says, “may all who love this city prosper.” We’re called right here to LOVE Jerusalem. Love a city.
When I think of present day, my heart breaks a little. With all the attacks on Israel in the news, Jerusalem is right there in the middle of things. The Jerusalem heralded by this psalm would have looked so much different back then.
Today, people even fear traveling there. David and I always dreamed of a trip to the Holy Land, only to have two different trips cancelled due to safety reasons. I’m sure the travel agencies were only being cautious, but the dangers are real in that region, even during our active ministry 10-20 years ago.
We’re in the season of Advent, preparing for Jesus’ arrival. For Jesus’ return, are you ready? How are you preparing your heart and soul for that day?
Let’s pray. Father God, thank you for the promise that you will return one day. Thank you for inviting me into a relationship with you. I am so grateful I can experience your grace, kindness, and mercy. Please strengthen my faith and trust in you. Remind me of the hope I have as I wait for your return. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
