Advent Day 17

Psalm 33:3 - Sing a new song to the Lord; play sweetly with shouts of joy.

Sing a new song. What does this mean? The verse seems to be about music, yet there's that bit about a new song. Is the psalmist saying we need to make up songs and praises to God? challenge ourselves to sing more difficult songs? or just change up the songs we sing. What about playing sweetly? How does that speak to those of us who don't play instruments?

Or, maybe it could be understood as a metaphor of our lives with God? Could it be a challenge to step out of our comfort zone and try something new. Could it mean getting out of a religious rut? Creating new things is what God does. Therefore, we as co-creators, are also creating things. Ours aren't always new things. We often re-create our world the same way without being willing or able to open our minds to a different way of being. Paul writes that those in Christ have become a new creation. We create who we are every day; why not create something new with God?

I have somewhat recreated myself this past year by speaking out more politically and in other areas. In this process, I have found a sense of hope and joy even though things might look bleak. That's what happens when we try to do something different - we become larger, more sure of ourselves, more able to experience joy even in the midst of arguing with our spouse. That's the second line: play your tune (your life) sweetly with shouts of joy. Recreating our world the same way each day can be comforting. Many of us though, would get bored with nothing new in our lives, with days that were the same year after year. By doing something different - no matter how small - we relate to our world differently. We see things from a new perspective - hopefully a more loving and compassionate one.

What new song can we sing to God today? How can this song invite us and others to experience joy?