Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29

The responsorial psalm for Christmas Vigil comes from Psalm 89, which celebrates God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, highlighting his covenant with David and its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.

The passage opens with the psalmist recalling God’s irrevocable promise to David, establishing his dynasty as eternal. The covenant includes the assurance of a perpetual throne, which Christians interpret as ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Luke 1:32-33).

Blessed the people who know the joyful shout;

The “joyful shout” likely refers to a cry of worship and celebration, emphasizing the happiness of God’s people who recognize his favor and justice.

The psalmist uses a macarism to describe them as “blessed.”

in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk.

The “light of your countenance” indicates the divine presence; walking in the light of the LORD’s countenance is a metaphor that means living under God’s guidance and blessing.

At your name they rejoice all the day,

In Scripture, the name of God represents his character, attributes, and revealed presence. To rejoice in God’s name is to find joy in who God is — his holiness, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. It reflects a deep relationship with God, rooted in trust and gratitude for his covenantal love and protection.

and through your justice they are exalted.

God’s justice lifts his people to a place of honor and security.

This anticipates the salvation brought through Jesus, the righteous King who embodies God’s justice (Isaiah 9:6-7).

“He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God,

This verse depicts the heir of David addressing God with intimacy and dependence, calling him “Father.” Christians see this as a prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus’ unique relationship with God the Father.

the Rock, my savior.’

This image, also translated as “Rock of my salvation,” emphasizes God’s role as a steadfast source of deliverance.

Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm.”

God’s promise of steadfast love (hesed, “kindness”) and an enduring covenant underscores his faithfulness.

The promise of eternal rule ties directly to Jesus, the ultimate Davidic King whose reign and covenant endure forever (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:6).