Psalm 97:1, 6, 11-12

The responsorial psalm for Christmas Mass at Dawn comes from Psalm 97, an enthronement psalm that praises God as king over all.

This is a fitting choice for Christmas Mass at Dawn because it highlights the themes of God’s sovereignty, the joy of salvation, and the universal response to God’s presence in the Incarnation.

The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad.

This opening line sets the tone for the psalm, proclaiming God’s sovereignty over all creation. The phrase “The Lord is king” is a traditional enthronement declaration and a celebration of God’s reign.

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of the King, the one who brings salvation to the world, and the response is one of universal joy.

Notice how the call to celebrate extends beyond the confines of Israel to “the many isles” (also translated as “many coastlands”), a poetic image denoting the distant, most remote parts of the world.

The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory.

This verse declares that God’s righteousness is visible in the natural world, a concept directly connected to the nativity, where the glory of God (kābôd) is revealed through the birth of Christ.

Notice again the universality here: “all peoples” see his glory, not a select few.

Light dawns for the just; and gladness, for the upright of heart.

God’s truth and salvation illuminate the hearts of those who seek righteousness.

Many see this light as a foreshadowing of the light of Christ, the “true light” who came into the world at Christmas to dispel the darkness of sin.

Be glad in the LORD, you just, and give thanks to his holy name.

The final verse calls all the just to rejoice and give thanks, which is the proper response to God’s saving actions and presence.

This mirrors the joy and thankfulness we experience at Christmas, especially in response to the gift of Christ, who embodies God’s holiness, mercy, and love.