Zephaniah 3:14, 20
Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;
shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
At that time I will bring you home,
at the time when I gather you;
for I will make you renowned and praised
among all the peoples of the earth,
when I restore your fortunes
before your eyes, says the Lord.

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In the little book of Zephaniah, images of God’s power and love are extreme. They are a consuming fire and a crooning song. A fire that purifies rather than destroys. A fire that will not tolerate human evil. A fire that invites our singing because it originates from God’s sung delight in us.

The bleak beginning ends with joy – the holy parent rejoicing over us with singing. We need not fear the dark. Not the dark of winter nor the dark of these tumultuous times. God is with us and like a loving mother, God will bring us home.

-Rev. Adriene Thorne

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What is one way that you remember that God is with you?

What does “home” mean to you? In your own words, what does it mean for God to “bring us home”?

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This episode was written and recorded by Adriene Thorne. It was produced by Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish, Galoshes, and Dramamine by Podington Bear and The Great Burn by Dave Depper.

Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to download the 2018 Advent devotional and to listen to more episodes of Be Still and Go.