Scripture Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-20 & Philippians 4:4-7
Zephaniah 3 is a song of joy in God’s salvation. Zephaniah calls for joy because God has taken away judgment and defeated enemies. This echoes the joy of salvation that believers experience in Christ. During the season of Advent, may we experience and remember the joy of being redeemed by Christ and freedom from condemnation.
God is present among His people, mighty to save, and delights in us with singing. This reminds us of Christ’s incarnation, bringing God’s nearness to humanity. The Lord is near and rejoices over us. May we embrace the truth that God doesn’t just save us but delights in us.
In verses 15 and 17, the prophet affirms God’s presence with the people, affirming that God is and will continue to be in their lives. The people will live without fear, trusting that God saves them from disaster and enemy attack. However, God’s presence not just removes threats, but also is animating. God rejoices with His people, protects and renews them, and delights over them. God frees and strengthens the people by being present among them. Living God makes people vibrant and joyful. God’s presence heals, enlivens, and leads us to lean into God’s promises.
In verses 18 to 20, Zephaniah anticipates a time when God will gather His people, heal their shame, and restore them to honour. The promise of restoration and celebration will be fulfilled through the first coming of the Lord, and ultimate restoration will be completed through Christ’s second coming. Christ’s presence and blessing will bring inexpressible joy and absolute security to his people. Believers will never have to fear again because the Lord is with them. May we live with joyful anticipation of Christ’s coming or His return and the fullness of His kingdom.
Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Paul encourages believers to rejoice continually, rooted in the unchanging character of the Lord who is near. Today’s text calls us to rejoice at all times. Joy reigns in the heart only when Christ is Lord of life. Joy is always in the Lord. In every circumstance, may we rejoice not in fleeting happiness but in the abiding presence and love of Christ.
As seen in verse 5, our gentleness and joy are evident to all, reflecting the hope we have in Christ. Being gentle to others lets the church and world see that we belong to the Lord.
Christ embodied such gentleness in his dealing with all people. In 2 Corinthians 10:1, Paul says, “By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you.” Titus 3:2 says, “to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” (NIV) James 3: 17 says, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. (NRSVUE)
In both time and space, the Lord is near. He is not far away, but rather here in our hearts, listening and relating to us. His nearness also means he knows who we are. God is near, for he is coming again. Then we will receive our rewards for living like Christ rather than like the world.
Joy in the Lord leads to prayer, thanksgiving, and trust, resulting in the peace of God guarding our hearts. Anxiety and worry achieve nothing, however prayer does (Jas 5:16).
Instead of being anxious, may we find our joy in God’s faithfulness and our prayer, letting His peace replace our fears. May we show the world that Christian joy is not dependent on circumstances but flows from the Lord’s presence.
In verse 7, the peace of God comes from prayer involving both asking God for earthly needs and thanking God for His presence and provision. The expression appears only here in the New Testament. God’s peace reflects the divine character, which lives in serenity, totally separate from all anxiety and worry.
The Lord’s peace protects the heart and mind that produce feelings and thoughts. Such protection is real but unreal at the same time. It seems impossible, but it is possible in Christ. The peace of the Lord will guard and protect us from worry and anxiety and allow us to experience the joy of the Lord.
Most of us live with noise, confusion, busyness, and chaos all around us. But even in the storms of our lives, we can find peace and joy because Jesus is our refuge, protecting and caring for us. Peace is not the absence of trouble. Rather, peace is the presence of Christ in our lives. When we come to Christ in all circumstances and relationships, we find both the Lord’s peace and joy.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Peter said, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). As we abide in Christ, may we enjoy “the peace of God” and “the joy of the Lord”. May we remember that joy comes through Christ!
Today, as we await the coming of Jesus, we want to reflect together on what kind of disciples and witnesses we are. Are we joyful witnesses? Are we joyful disciples? In this world of pain, suffering, sorrow, uncertainty, and darkness, may we be joyful witnesses of the Lord, bringing the joy of love and grace to the world.
The Lord is near. This is the reason for our joy. As we await the coming of the Lord in Advent, let us pull up any weeds that we have in the garden of our mind and lay up more treasure in heaven and find our contentment in Christ. May we rejoice in the presence of the Lord and experience the peace He brings and the restoration of strained or broken relationships.
In today’s Scripture readings, Zephaniah and Paul want us to get up and rejoice! When we are in the presence of the Lord, the “day of darkness and gloom” will be replaced by a day of gladness. If the journey of our lives is marked by days of anxiety and worry, may they be changed by times of joy and peace in His presence. The Lord’s presence frees us from fear and moves us to rejoice. May this season of God be filled with precious times when God delights in us, and we delight in Him.
For the joy we celebrate today is rooted not in bright circumstances, but in the presence of the Lord and Christ-aided focus on joy, others, God in prayer, and God’s kingdom’s work. That is a joy that can withstand even the darkest moments of Advent. Gospel joy from us will be shared joy whenever we rejoice in the Lord. As the joy candle is lit, may we give thanks for our gladness and remember all who are in sorrow and care for them.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)