Daily Devotion for July 2, 2025

 

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Psalm 96:2-3.

Proclaim the Good News of salvation! The church of my youth would celebrate “Christmas in July” by collecting various gifts to send to local and international missions. This joyful summertime experience helped us to truly proclaim God’s gift of salvation through Christ offered unto all people. We remembered Jesus’ call to be witnesses and to spread the Good News! 

Psalm 96 is often read throughout the week of Christmas! The psalmist helps us recall that the gift of salvation has—since the beginning, always been born out of the heart of God’s love, offering and gift for all people.

These verses invite us with joyful imperatives for how we receive and respond to God’s gift of salvation: Sing! Praise! Proclaim! Declare! And including verse 1, which says, “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” The word “sing” is written three times! 

There is a call to oneness and unity about all the earth singing—even in different notes, keys, rhythms and languages—similar to the singing of the birds in the treetops during the early morning hours—all of our voices singing praises give glory unto God! Within the midst of this unusual harmony of voices, there is peace which comes only from God. 

If we read this just as a list of “how to” praise God, we might miss the beauty of the depths of these verses. The psalmist calls us to “why” we praise God—-God’s gift of salvation; God’s glory among the nations; God’s marvelous works among all the peoples; God made the heavens! When we recognize the greatness of who God is and we humbly remember that God is mindful of humankind AND offers us salvation, we can’t help but sing, praise, proclaim and declare the praises of God! 

This is “good news of great joy for all people!” as we read from the angel’s words in Luke 2:10.

Personal Worship Option:

Pause and ponder the tremendous gift of salvation God has offered and given to you through Christ. Perhaps approach this day with the heart of “Christmas in July!” Will you sing praises of “Joy to the World”?; Will you share with someone the difference Christ has made in your life?---with your words, actions, gifts, or by visiting with one who is hurting? Let today be your “Christmas in July!” Proclaim the Good News of salvation!