Comparing Psalm 98 and John 1:1-18: Joy and the Word This Christmas Morning

Christmas is a special time for Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Today's responsorial Psalm Psalm 98 and Gospel John 1:1-18, help us understand this celebration. Psalm 98 is a song about God’s greatness and joy, while John 1:1-18 tells us about Jesus, the Word of God, becoming human. Let’s explore how these two parts of the Bible work together to teach us about Christmas.

Understanding Psalm 98: A Song of Joy

What is Psalm 98 About?

Psalm 98 is a happy song that talks about God’s amazing power and love. It may have been written when God helped the people of Israel during a hard time. The psalm asks everyone—people, animals, and even nature—to praise God together.

Joy for Everyone

The joy in Psalm 98 comes from knowing that God is good and fair. A special verse says, “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wonderful things” (Psalm 98:1). It even says rivers clap their hands and mountains sing because they are so happy about God’s love.

John 1:1-18 – The Word Becomes Human

What is John’s Gospel About?

John’s Gospel starts by telling us about Jesus. It says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). This means Jesus was with God before the world began and helped create everything. Then, Jesus came to earth to show us God’s love.

What Does It Teach Us?

John 1 teaches us important things about Jesus:

• Jesus Always Existed: He was with God from the start.

• Jesus Became Human: Jesus, the Word, came to live among us.

• God’s Gift of Love: Through Jesus, we see God’s kindness and truth.

One important verse says, “The Word became human and lived among us” (John 1:14). This verse reminds us that Christmas is about God coming close to us.

How Psalm 98 and John 1:1-18 Work Together

God’s Plan to Save Us

Both Psalm 98 and John 1 talk about God saving the world. Psalm 98 praises God for saving His people. John 1 shows how God’s plan came true when Jesus was born to save everyone.

Nature Celebrates God

In Psalm 98, rivers and mountains celebrate God. In John 1, Jesus, who made everything, is celebrated by creation. These parts of the Bible remind us that all of nature praises God.

A Promise Fulfilled

Psalm 98 looks forward to the time when God will save the world. John 1 shows how that promise came true through Jesus. Together, they give us a message of hope and happiness.

What We Can Learn for Christmas

Be Happy About God’s Love

Christmas is a time to be joyful because God loves us. Psalm 98 reminds us to praise God for His wonderful works, and John 1 reminds us of God’s greatest gift—Jesus.

Worship God With Joy and Thanks

Both Psalm 98 and John 1 invite us to worship God. Psalm 98 encourages us to sing and celebrate, and John 1 helps us understand why we celebrate—because Jesus came to be with us.

Ways to Use These Scriptures

Add Them to Your Christmas Celebration

You can read Psalm 98 and John 1:1-18 on Christmas morning with your family. You could also sing songs inspired by Psalm 98 and reflect on the story of Jesus from John 1.

Think About Christmas Every Day

These scriptures help us see the joy and meaning of Christmas. Psalm 98 shows us how to praise God, and John 1 reminds us of God’s amazing love. Reading them often can help us feel closer to God.

Conclusion: A Message of Joy and Hope

Psalm 98 and John 1:1-18 work together to share a wonderful message. One celebrates God’s greatness, and the other shows us His love through Jesus. This Christmas, may these verses fill your heart with joy and hope as you celebrate God’s gift to the world.