An Advent reflection by Judith Hansen.
Read
Zephaniah 3:20 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.
Reflect
I have found it difficult to reflect positively on this final passage of the book of the prophet Zephaniah written several thousand years ago. I am very deeply concerned about the continuing situation in the Holy Land and this has affected my thinking. I cannot believe that the loving caring God that I know and love would find acceptable the treatment of the Palestinians by many in Israel. Jesus said ‘love your neighbour’. It is hard to see that, unless attitudes change, Israel can be ‘renowned and praised among all the people of the earth’.
Pray
Lord Jesus, you were born, lived, ministered and died in the land you made Holy. Bring wisdom, healing, mutual love and peace to this divided nation. Amen
Act
Find out more about the situation by looking at the web site of the charity Embrace the Middle East. Perhaps buy some of its Christmas Cards. Above all pray for both Israel and Palestine for healing and peace.
Judith Hansen