Here’s a psalm to kick off the new year, Psalm 98.

Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made know his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. (verses 1-3, ESV)

A new song for a new year. Some of you may just want to celebrate the ending of 2020, but we have something much better to celebrate. God has revealed Himself and given us salvation!

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord! (verses 4-6, ESV)

When was the last time you made a joyful noise? We may associate cheering with sporting events or a concert. Maybe you heard some squeals of joy watching little ones open presents. What if we were that excited about God’s gifts for us?

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. (verses 7-9 ESV)

The world will have reason to celebrate when Christ comes to make all things right. We have much better times at which to look forward.