Advent as a Gathering In: Reflections on Zephaniah 3:14-20

December 07, 2015 by John Holbert

Continued from Page 1

This Advent/Christmas is a sort of test for us, I think, a test concerning whether we are followers of the righteousness of God or followers of the fear-mongers among us, who would have us arm ourselves with guns, build walls against all those we deem unworthy of our country, and remain satisfied with what we have accumulated, locking it away from all who ask only for a chance to live in freedom. If old Zephaniah were to come back and gaze at America in this season of Advent/Christmas, I think he would be saddened to see us closing our minds and hearts to the genuine pain of the world. But also I think he would reiterate his call to us to join the God of the universe in the work of gathering and caring for all those in the world of God who at this time need a special kind of care. For this year we have many babies who have been born in stables and barns, who are threatened by those fearful ones who like their power as it is, whose families have been forced to flee their homes to find refuge from the terror of their day. In those children we may see the power of God, the call of God for us, the righteousness of God in action.

Page: 2 of 2

12/2/2022 9:10:30 PM

Sacred Texts

Preachers

Progressive Christian

Opening The Old Testament

Advent

Progressive Christianity

Christianity

Protestantism

more at patheos

What are spiritual disciplines?

Andrew Farley

Pastoral Wisdom for Responding to Sermon Pushback

Leah D. Schade

Bible & Catholicism on Mortal Sin (vs. John Anderson)

Dave Armstrong

How Technique Undermines Mission

Brad Vaughn

About John Holbert

John C. Holbert is the Lois Craddock Perkins Professor Emeritus of Homiletics at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, TX.

Patheos Logo Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Subscription Support Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In

Follow Patheos