December 10, 2018
To read full passage click: Zephaniah 3:14-20 …“Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!” vs. 14
For once, something had gone well in Israel and the prophet encourages the people to sing for joy with all of their heart. Because they had acted against corruption and injustice they could be confident of the Lord’s presence among them. Zephaniah even says that the Lord will join their joyful singing, an image that stretches our minds. What an amazing celebration that must have been! Sometimes that sort of thing still happens. Often we’re told by pastors and prophets that we need to straighten up and repent of our self-indulgent living, and we struggle to obey. We despair of ever pleasing God with our words and actions. But occasionally we do get it right! We even surprise ourselves with our deeds of compassion and kindness, and it feels good. We find ourselves wanting to sing for joy and happily join in those songs of celebration–we might even be moved to dance! There’s a bit of that atmosphere in our communities as we move through the weeks of Advent. Certainly we’re hearing the songs, they’re everywhere, and some folks love to join in. It could even be that the Spirit who has sparked our benevolence, will be providing the harmony for our carols and hymns of praise. And when the Spirit is our partner in song and dance, the celebration could last forever. Wouldn’t that be sweet!
Thought for the Day: What makes my spirit dance for joy?
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