21 December 2023

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
   as on a day of festival.
I will remove disaster from you,
so that you will not bear reproach for it.

From Zephaniah 3:14-18, NRSV

The prophet Zephaniah foretold the restoration of the Holy City of Jerusalem after its destruction by the Babylonians. He described the joy that would be experienced by the people at this time. He also spoke of the joy that God would feel at participating in the freedom and restoration of his people. Zephaniah’s words speak of a God who is deeply involved in the life of the world and who wants to rejoice with people.

• • Why do you suppose that God gave this prophecy through Zephaniah at this time?
  • When does God rejoice with his people in our times?

Reflect on and give thanks for all that brings joy to your life.