Advent Psalm reading for December 21, 22, 23, & 24: Psalm 89.
Introduction to Psalm 89
Today’s reflection begins with a new psalm, Psalm 89. This psalm is attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite, who is thought to have been one of the musicians and psalmists noted by the Chronicler. The liturgy includes the first four verses for Advent reflection.
God’s Love in Advent
As we near the culmination of Advent in the anticipation and fulfillment of God’s promises, it is appropriate to meditate on a psalm that speaks about the steadfast and never-ending love of God. After all, this is the very motivation for the incarnation. Scripture has shown the demonstration of God’s compassion and love for creation since the beginning. As we reflect on these words during the Advent season, we acknowledge their significance in revealing the character of God.
I will sing of the LORD’s steadfast love forever;
to all generations I will proclaim Your faithfulness with my mouth.
I declare, “Your steadfast love is confirmed forever;
there in the heavens You establish Your faithfulness.”
“I have made a covenant with My chosen one;
I have sworn to my beloved servant: (my translation)
I will establish your offspring forever,
I will confirm your throne for all generations.” Selah.
Psalm 89:1-4 acknowledges the love and compassion of God and affirms the promise of God as a covenant that provides hope, love, joy, and peace for all creation.
The Timeless Promise of Divine Love
The incarnation, the coming of the Messiah, is the ultimate manifestation of this unwavering love and the fulfillment of a covenant made long ago. In these verses, we find a powerful affirmation of God’s commitment to humanity, a commitment that spans generations and transcends time. The promise of an everlasting throne, a lineage that endures forever, speaks to the eternal nature of God’s kingdom and the enduring presence of divine love in our world.
Advent: A Season of Divine Compassion
As we meditate on this psalm during Advent, let it fill our hearts with gratitude for the unshakable love that God has for each of us. Let it also inspire us to reflect that love in our interactions and relationships, spreading the joy, hope, peace, and love that the Christmas season symbolizes. Psalm 89 invites us to not only appreciate the historical significance of God’s promises but to live out the reality of that love in our daily lives, becoming bearers of that steadfast love to the world. In this season of Advent, let us embrace the promise of God’s eternal faithfulness, carrying the light of this love into the world as we celebrate the birth of Christ, our Messiah.
Coming Up on Advent Psalm Reflection
In the next post, I will continue reading this psalm with the liturgy.
This entire series and a link to the liturgical readings on the Advent Psalm Reflections page.
*The translations are JPS from Sefaria.org
Dr. Erica Mongé-Greer, holding a PhD in Divinity from the University of Aberdeen, is a distinguished researcher and educator specializing in Biblical Ethics, Mythopoeia, and Resistance Theory. Her work focuses on justice in ancient religious texts, notably reinterpreting Psalm 82’s ethics in the Hebrew Bible, with her findings currently under peer review.
In addition to her academic research, Dr. Mongé-Greer is an experienced University instructor, having taught various biblical studies courses. Her teaching philosophy integrates theoretical discussions with practical insights, promoting an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.
Her ongoing projects include a book on religious themes in the series Battlestar Galactica and further research in biblical ethics, showcasing her dedication to interdisciplinary studies that blend religion with contemporary issues.