Christmas in Psalm 36

One of the themes that's embedded in the expectation surrounding Christmas is that of "light". It's in Zechariah's prayer after the birth of John the Baptist:

"[The sunrise] shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Luke 1:78b-79).

It's a huge part of the prophets' longing:

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness on them has light shined...For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:2, 6).

The expectation of the Messiah as a day when God's light would shine in a unique way was also, quite naturally, sung in the Psalms. 

"For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light" 

(Psalm 36:9)

With Psalm 36:9 it's also apparent that the author sees light as a equivalent to true, abiding life.


Tonight at our Christmas Eve service, we'll be making 6 points from Psalm 36 on darkness and light. Our prayer is that they will be the very words of life to those who hear.


CHRISTMAS MEDITATION FROM PSALM 36
To Be in Darkness:
1. Is to (wrongly) assume our sin will remain hidden (v. 2)

Transgression speaks to the wicked
deep in his heart;
there is no fear of God
before his eyes.
For he flatters himself in his own eyes
that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
2. Is to accept evil (v. 4)

He plots trouble while on his bed;
he sets himself in a way that is not good;
he does not reject evil.
3. Is to die forever (v. 12)

There the evildoers lie fallen;
they are thrust down, unable to rise.


To Be in the LIGHT:
1. Is to take refuge in the steadfast love of the LORD (v. 7)

How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
2. Is to be satisfied by God (v. 8)

They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
3. Is to have life forever (v. 9)

For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.