Zephaniah 3:14-20
Approaching the third Sunday of Advent, we focus on the theme of Joy! As we see in this exhortation, this joy is not to be subdued, quiet or dignified! What a story of God in history this passage is. God is seen as forgiver, comforter and protector, a warrior who give us strength in trials toward victory! God is seen as (truly in a prophetic sense looking forward towards the time the Comforter will come….) one who, as the shepherd, brings wholeness to those who are the oppressed and outcasts and will soon gather us all into his fortune and kingdom. We are reminded here that from the days of David (King of Israel) to the time “he will renew you in his love” through Jesus Christ, God, along with us, will rejoice! Yes God rejoices here as well being moved and affected by our actions through history and the redemption soon to come. We join in this celebration knowing God incarnate is coming to bring this joy into total fruition.
~ Lester McNatt