Shakespeare has a famous saying implying that the person who does not have music in the heart is untrustworthy. Most of us are not very gifted musicians, and yet we do like music of some kind. Since this love of music is such an important part of human nature, naturally it is reflected in the Bible, especially in the Psalms which we written to be sung and which quite often refer to musical instruments, as does today's responsorial psalm, which mentions the harp and the ten-stringed lyre.

This love of music is also reflected in sacred art: angels are frequently depicted playing musical instruments.

Today's Psalm is one of several that urges us to sing a new song to the Lord and the Prophet Isaiah [42:10-13] urges the whole world to sing a new song to celebrate God's victory. At Christmas, people all over the world sing Christmas carols, and they are played in all the shopping malls and hotels. Most people who hear these songs do not yet recognize the victory of God which they celebrate. At Christmastime and at all times, let us, Christians sing a new song of praise to God by striving to live holy lives.