Third Sunday in Advent

The other day my wife, Sue, and I went to an Andre Rieu Christmas concert which was being shown at our local movie theatre. His concerts are always very enjoyable and moving. I was moved to tears by their rendition of “The Holy City.” Eventually the concert becomes a veritable party. Yet, I had a strange thought. Suddenly it was as if I was transported to 1939 and wondered if this is how it was as Europe stood on the cusp of utter destruction.

Advent is a time that captures all those emotions. The world is dark both literally and metaphorically. Yet there is a glimmer of hope, a glimmer that grows brighter and brighter.

The Old Testament lesson for the Third Sunday in Advent is from the rather obscure book of Zephaniah, chapter 3. To understand the actual text (verses 14-20), read these verses first:

What sorrow awaits rebellious, polluted Jerusalem,
    the city of violence and crime!
²No one can tell it anything;
    it refuses all correction.
It does not trust in the Lord
    or draw near to its God.
³Its leaders are like roaring lions
    hunting for their victims.
Its judges are like ravenous wolves at evening time,
    who by dawn have left no trace of their prey.
⁴Its prophets are arrogant liars seeking their own gain.
    Its priests defile the Temple by disobeying God’s instructions.
There is violence and crime. Corruption among political leaders, the justice system, and the world of religion.
Then comes for me the key verse.
But the Lord is still there in the city,
    and he does no wrong.

I had just spoken to a person who had lost their spouse this summer in a tragic accident. She was wondering about the purpose of prayer in the light of injustice such as the residential schools. As I counselled her about prayer and that God doesn’t promise us an easy life but promises us his presence, my eyes fell on this verse: “But the LORD is still there in the city.”

That leads to the joyous conclusion of this chapter (and indeed the book itself)
Sing, O daughter of Zion;
    shout aloud, O Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
    O daughter of Jerusalem!...
For the Lord your God is living among you.
    He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
    With his love, he will calm all your fears.^[^b^]
    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

That brings me full circle to the Andre Rieu concert I mentioned at the beginning. We can celebrate despite the darkness in this world—maybe it is better to say “in the face of the darkness.” God rejoices over us!

Merry Christmas and all God’s Blessings in the New Year!
Pastor Jim