Psalm 98:1-4

The responsorial psalm for Christmas Mass During the Day comes from Psalm 98, an enthronement psalm that praises God as king and victor over all.

It is a fitting responsorial for our celebration because it celebrates the joyful revelation of God’s salvation, a central theme of Christmas.

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds;

The psalm opens with an invitation to worship and praise God in response to something new and extraordinary that God has done, which required a song of praise very different from what they had previously sung.

For Christians, the incarnation of Christ is the ultimate “wondrous deed.”

his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

God is depicted as a triumphant warrior whose right hand and outstretched arm have brought victory.

The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.

God’s saving work is not hidden but is openly revealed. This salvation is not limited to Israel but extends to all nations,

He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.

The psalmist claims that it was God’s remembrance of his covenantal lovingkindness (hesed) and faithfulness (ěmûnâh) promised to Israel’s ancestors that prompted this triumph.

These same divine actions are celebrated in the canticle spoken by Mary, the Magnificat; they reach their climax in the sending of the Messiah, the Son of God, whereby God reveals his justice to all the nations.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.

The final verses elaborate on the universal scope of the praise that is given to God. The victory God has won is clear and complete, visible to all.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.

A call for universal celebration. All of creation (“all you lands”) is invited to join in praising God for his wondrous deeds.

Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.

These verses deepen the imagery of worship by incorporating musical instruments and joyous exclamations, creating a vivid picture of communal celebration.

This joyous psalm envisions a time when all nations, including those who do not yet know God, will come to worship him as Israel does — rejoicing in his sovereignty and salvation.

For Christmas, this psalm captures the triumphant and celebratory event of Christ’s birth, inviting all to recognize and rejoice in the coming of the King and Savior.