The readings today proclaim joy in the near presence of God. Yet each is set against a background that militates against joyful expectation. The book of Zephaniah was written in the 7th BC at a time when Israel was surrounded by hostile nations. The call to rejoice because the Lord is in the midst of His people is almost unexpected, as it is in contrast with everything preceding it. St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians was written when he was in prison because of his missionary work. In Philippi he had established his first European church and he called the community there “my joy and my crown”. Though he is imprisoned and facing the possibility of execution, joy and peace are prominent in the latter, culminating in St. Paul’s wish for their happiness in the Lord and for the peace of God that is beyond our comprehension while on earth. When John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness and called the people to prepare a way for the Lord, and to a baptism of repentance, they were under Roman occupation with a Roman procurator and a Jewish subordinate ruler, Herod. The tax collectors had bought their positions from the Roman authorities. The soldiers gave armed protection to the tax collectors. They were in need of some protection for they were hated by both Jews and Gentiles alike, not least because many abused their authority. The people are attracted to John and his message. They go to him for baptism, and all, tax collectors and soldiers included, ask what they must do. He answers that they must act justly towards others.
From readings we see John the Baptist, Paul and Zephaniah dispelled oppressing darkness with the light that shone from God’s nearness. The Christmas trees with their glimmering candles and other decorations, which now illumine the period leading to the celebration of our Savior’s birth, can be seen as symbolizing that same light of that same light of God’s near presence among us. May we never forget that the Lord is in our midst. Christ, the Morning Star, will dispel our darkness.