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 glory, a central theme of Christmas.

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

The psalm begins with a summons to sing not any refrain, but a new song — one that rises to meet the sheer wonder of God’s latest act.

In Israel’s story, new songs erupted whenever God’s power broke through history in astonishing ways; e.g. Israel’s song at the Red Sea (Exodus 15) or Deborah’s victory hymn (Judges 5). Here, the psalmist insists that our praise must be reshaped and renewed because God has done something beyond precedent.

For Christians, the Incarnation of Christ is the ultimate “wondrous deed.” The Word made flesh is not simply another chapter in salvation history; it is the decisive act that transforms the world.

Christmas demands a song unlike any sung before — a hymn of astonishment, joy, and gratitude for God dwelling among us.

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

God is portrayed as a victorious warrior whose power alone has brought deliverance.

The image of God’s “holy arm” is a biblical metaphor for his divine power and authority at work in history (Deuteronomy 26:8; Isaiah 52:10).

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

Israel’s deliverance is not a private matter; it is a revelation to the nations, Israel’s pagan neighbors.

God’s saving justice is meant to be seen and recognized universally.

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

The victory springs from God’s covenant love (hesed) and fidelity (ěmûnâh), recalling the promises made to the patriarchs.

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

The psalmist widens the vision: What began as Israel’s triumph is now God’s universal revelation. His salvation is visible to every nation and every people.

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

Because God’s saving power is universal, so too must be the praise. All the earth is summoned to rejoice, joining Israel in song.

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.