Dancing with Joy

Zephaniah 3:17-18a

The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. (Zephaniah 3:17-18a NRSV)

Have you ever watched people dance? I love watching a good half time show, line dance at a wedding, or dance routine at a concert. It doesn’t matter if it’s ballet, swing, hip hop, salsa, or tap dancing, I’m intrigued by it all. But lately I’ve been mesmerized with watching my son and his friends dance.

These children have found the secret to the good life and longevity. They know how to play and have fun. They know how to float and glide, slip and slide. They know about soaring and dipping, shaking and flipping. They know how to levitate, prance on air, and be whisked away to another world without a care or concern in the world. I’ve never seen a child (or anyone) dancing that looks like they would rather be somewhere else. Instead, they appear light, playful, and free. They appear joyful.

This verse brings tears to my eyes every time I encounter it. To envision a God that’s not angry or vengeful, judgmental or resentful, but a God whose endless expression of love is so lavish and abundant that it erupts in exuberant dancing. Zephaniah gives us a glimpse of a God who celebrates their love for Israel through joyful singing, dancing, and rejoicing. God was back in their midst, defeated their enemies, and returned to reclaim beloved Zion not in judgment but with joy.

Can you imagine God waltzing and foxtrotting over us with gladness? Can you envision God prancing and frolicking like raindrops on fresh cut grass? Can you visualize God delighting in us so much that they twist and twirl like children parading around the playground? This Advent season let us reclaim and recover this God who enjoys being in our midst and dances with joy.

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