Christmas Season · Nativity of the Lord - Christmas Dawn · Year B
Psalm 97:1+6, 11-12
The Lord Reigns
December 25, 2026
Overview & Insights
“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!” (Psalm 97:1)
“let the earth be glad” (cf. 96:11). After this opening invitation, we hear of a thunderstorm demonstrating Yahweh’s supremacy and righteousness (vv. 2–6). We hear of the responses of idol worshipers and of Zion, along with a summary statement of Yahweh’s supremacy (vv. 7–9). The closing section spells out the implications of the above: Yahweh’s people must shun evil and then they will be granted protection, light, and joy (vv. 10–12).
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Commentary
Commentary on Psalm 97 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary commentary on the Lord reigns, the enthronement psalm sung at Christmas Dawn.
Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 97 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik on the reign of the Lord, light sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.
Psalm 97:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated classic commentary on the Lord reigning and the earth rejoicing.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What kind of psalm is Psalm 97?
An enthronement psalm: the Lord reigns amid clouds, fire, and lightning, and light dawns for the righteous, a fitting Christmas song of the King who has come.
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