December 15, 2024

Readings:

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Isaiah 12:2-6

Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:7-18

The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing (Zephaniah 3:17)

Think about it. The creator of the universe renews you in his love and, get this, sings over you. That should assure each of us of the everlasting love that God has for us. These verses close the book with a song of joy for Jerusalem. The text implicitly praises the LORD, who is described as being in the midst of the city, but the divine presence now carries salvation. The LORD is King over Israel and is recognized as such. Prophetic books often close with a clear and distinctive note of hope. These verses point to a future reversal of fate, gathering of exiles, and restoration. These are words that give cause for celebration, singing, and dancing. God brings salvation and restoration.

Both Isaiah and Paul call us to rejoice and celebrate the goodness of God. Isaiah says, Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 12:6) Paul’s command to “rejoice in the Lord always” is followed by the promise, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4, 7)

John the Baptist teaches the people who follow him to live lives of justice and equity. His exhortations are practical lessons in how to treat one another. John is very clear that he is not the messiah. He boldly declares that there is one coming after him who, “will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:16)

John painted a picture of judgment, but it was a judgment which one could meet with confidence if one faithfully discharged duty to the neighbor and had faithfully done each day’s work. John’s preaching anticipates Jesus’ description of the greatest commandment. “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-39)

Advent comes from Latin adventus “coming; arrival”. The season of Advent in the Christian calendar anticipates the “coming of Christ” from three different perspectives: the physical nativity in Bethlehem, the reception of Christ in the heart of the believer, and the eschatological Second Coming.

The four Sundays of Advent call us to prepare ourselves to not only hear the story of Jesus’ birth, but require we live into the nature of Jesus’ own heart as we live in community with our neighbors.

It is a time of reflection and celebration. Jesus the Messiah lives in the hearts, minds, attitudes, and actions of those who claim him as Savior and Lord.

Dance and sing! Redemption is at hand.