December 25, 2022 - Psalm 24
David must be at the Tabernacle or, at least, remembering a time there, when he pens these words: “Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory!” (24:7-10). A couple quick thoughts on this Christmas day. First, God himself has decided to come and to dwell with us, to be with us. He enters the sanctuary, the place where he meets his people. What makes our regular gatherings so special? Well, for one, it is that those gatherings are sweet meetings with our Creator and glimpses into what eternity holds, i.e., we will be in his immediate presence along with all the saints of every age. Second, make no mistake, the One whom we meet is a king! He is “the King of glory!” The following words were not penned by David, the great songwriter, but, certainly, David could, with great joy and affirmation, join in singing Charles Wesley’s hymn:
Rejoice, the Lord is King:
Your Lord and King adore!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing,
And triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
Jesus, the Savior, reigns,
The God of truth and love;
When He has purged our stains,
He took his seat above;
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
His kingdom cannot fail,
He rules o'er earth and heav’n;
The keys of death and hell
Are to our Jesus givn:
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
Rejoice in glorious hope!
Our Lord and judge shall come
And take His servants up
To their eternal home:
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! --Charles Wesley (1744)