Recently I saw a television commercial that made it appear that fish and animals were singing "The Hallelujah Chorus." At first it seemed a bit absurd and even sacrilegious to see angelfish and brown bears mouthing the word hallelujah. But as I thought about it, a passage of Scripture came to mind.

Psalm 148 calls for everything in creation to praise the Lord. Included in the invitation are "great sea creatures" (v.7), "beasts and all cattle; creeping things and flying fowl" (v.10). Not exactly the usual crowd in the choir loft or the congregation on Sunday morning!

As you read Psalm 148, count the number of different elements of God's creation that are invited to join in praising the Lord. Among them are angels, stars, sea creatures, mountains, trees, animals, kings and princes, men and women, young and old.

The psalmist cried out, "Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven" (v.13). Is anyone or anything excluded from this invitation? It appears not.

On this day and throughout the year, may each of us answer this call to praise God in a joyful and lasting way. Let's join all creation in celebrating the greatness of our God!  — David C. McCasland