Transcription

 

[Levi Markus]

Welcome to Bridgeway Christian Church's Daily Advent Prayer. My name is Levi Markus and I have been a part of the Bridgeway community for 10 years. Today is Monday, December 22nd and today and every Monday during Advent we reflect on the anticipation of the Messiah in the Old Testament.

Today we meditate on the Prophet Zephaniah's vision of a God who not only restores his people from judgment but rejoices over them in love. A divine King who is present in their midst, quieting fear with his saving strength and singing delight. Let's listen to Zephaniah 3, 14-17 together.

Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion. Shout, O Israel. Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.

The Lord has taken away the judgments against you. He has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.

You shall never again fear evil. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear not, O Zion. Let not your hands grow weak.

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will quiet you by his love.

He will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah paints one of scripture's most tender pictures of God's heart. A God who does not simply tolerate his people but delights in them.

The love of this King is not distant or cold. It is near, active, and full of song. In that love, fear gives way to rest and judgment gives way to joy.

Let's celebrate with Zephaniah in prayer to our great God. Lord our God, you are mighty to save, yet tender in love. You stand in our midst even now, not far away but near, not condemning but rejoicing.

You quiet our fears with your steadfast love. You sing over your people with joy. Your love does not ignore our weakness.

It meets us in it. When we doubt our worth, remind us that you take delight in us because of Christ. When our hearts grow restless or afraid, still us with the sound of your song.

When we are tempted to despair, lift our heads with the promise that you rejoice to call us your own. Teach us to love as you love, patiently, courageously, without reservation. Let your love overflow through us so that the world may hear your melody of grace and find rest in your presence.

We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Savior, and our song. Amen.