Journey to Joy: Rejoice and Fear No More

I stumbled on a web ad titled: “World Crisis Deals.” Seemed ironic. A deal in midst of crisis? But maybe not.

Zephaniah ministered in a time of crisis, during the early years of Jeremiah’s prophecy, in the late 7th century BCE. Two generations before Zephaniah, the Assyrians destroyed Israel and were threatening to do the same to Judah. Jerusalem escaped only because, unaccountably, Sennacherib’s armies ended their siege and returned home.

Our world’s crises seem even more threatening. We need only talk about the environmental crisis, out of control military budgets, colossal war casualties, the global refugee crisis or terrorism to recognize the threat.

But Advent is a Journey to Joy! Zephaniah promised: “You shall fear disaster no more.” Why? “The Lord is in your midst.” Whatever the discouraging news of crisis might bring, our preparation for God’s coming drives out fear. We choose to celebrate the coming One, not in denial of the causes of despair but in defiance! Fears will not rule our lives. We trust in the God whose love is in our midst-in the manger. Rejoice!

Lord Jesus, we celebrate your coming that drives out fear. Amen. — PH