[Note: no sung psalm at South Woden, balancing family moments and carols with the great virtue of brevity.] A joyful package suitable to a joyful occasion, these three songs for Christmas Eve and Day sing out in praise of the creator, the source of goodness, and a responsive jubilant creation. Psalm 96 begins with the much-sung ‘Sing to God a … Continue reading Psalm 96, 97, 98; 25 Dec 20
Tag: joy
Psalm 126, 13 Dec 20
Following the blues last Sunday about exile, reflecting many peoples suffering displacement and persecution of one sort or another in this world, here we celebrate hopeful restoration. This short but ringing song recalls the joy of people returning home, restored after years of separation and suppression. When God restored the fortunes of Zion, then were … Continue reading Psalm 126, 13 Dec 20
Psalms 118 and 31, Palm Sunday
Palms at Percy Island, Barrier Reef Why two psalms? Because there are two commemorations going on here for Palm Sunday - the palms and the passion. In early years, two separate liturgical celebrations were observed: the first commemorated the Passion of Jesus; later in the day, a procession of people carried palms to the Great … Continue reading Psalms 118 and 31, Palm Sunday
Psalm 4, 15 April 18
This song 'of David' only just makes it into the lectionary, once in Year B alone. However, the themes of supplication, forgiveness, trust and peace are familiar from many other similar songs. The last verse seems to set it aside, not as an expression of divine protection for this is another common theme, but as … Continue reading Psalm 4, 15 April 18
Psalms for Christmas 2017
Christmas Eve this year falls on a Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Advent in Year B. The set psalm is 89, which starts: I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. Christmas Eve is also the starting point for the series of three psalms for … Continue reading Psalms for Christmas 2017
Magnificat, 17 Dec ’17
The Song of Mary, her joyful response to the angels' declaration that she would bear a special child (are they not all?), is timely and most appropriate in the Advent season. The Magnificat, as it is known from the first words of the song in Latin, has frequently been sung by women and girls during … Continue reading Magnificat, 17 Dec ’17
Psalm 66, 21 May 17
This psalm is a cry of joy for divine guidance and deliverance. Come and hear, you who fear our maker, as I tell how God rescued my soul. I cried to God and was answered; God’s praise is ever on my lips (vv. 8, 9) The psalmist feels that he has been pulled through the … Continue reading Psalm 66, 21 May 17
Psalm 96, Christmas 2016
[To see more recent Christmas psalm post for 2020, click here> or see Index.] Psalms 96 to 98 Psalms 96 to 98 appear often in the Lectionary, particularly at Christmas but also at other ordinary times during the year. The triplet forms a joyful package for a joyful occasion: these three songs for Christmas sing out in … Continue reading Psalm 96, Christmas 2016
Psalm 81, 28 Aug ’16
Psalmist Asaph begins by casting into a shimmering spotlight some energising phrases: Raise a song and sound the timbrel, the merry harp and the lyre. Blow the ram's horn at the new moon, and at the full moon (v.1, 3) Then this touch of mystery: I hear a voice I had not known: "I eased your shoulder from the burden You … Continue reading Psalm 81, 28 Aug ’16
Psalm 77 again, Solstice
Solstice in the south The shortest (and longest) day has just passed (as has the Solstice reference at South Woden last Sunday -- but here are a couple more ideas anyway.) It's cold in Canberra but from now on, those dark evenings will gradually lighten. Previously at the Solstice we have picked up a common … Continue reading Psalm 77 again, Solstice
Psalms in the South 