Through the prophet, the LORD spoke of a day. A day when enemies would be dealt with. A day when foreigners would become family. A day when, within the family, pride would be purged (Zephaniah 3:8-11). Thus, in that day, would be found “a people humble and lowly.” A people whose refuge is in the name of the LORD. A people who “shall graze and lie down, and none shall make them afraid” (Zeph. 3:12-13). A people safe, secure, set apart, and at rest.

And what grabs my attention this morning is what such a people are called to do; Sing and Shout!

“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.”

(Zephaniah 3:14-15 ESV)

Sing aloud and shout. Rejoice and exult with all your heart. That’s what a people do whose judgments have been taken away, whose enemies have been cleared away, and whose God is in their midst. Sing and shout!

We are in a season known for its singing and songs. Most of which, I suspect, we but listen to. Oh, but when we get the chance to sing those songs aloud, they should be loudly sung.

When we get the opportunity to open our mouths to make melody about a God who came into our midst so that He might remove the judgments our sins deserve; when we find occasion to take up some tunes concerning the King who has vanquished our enemies, sin and death; then, if our hearts and minds were really engaged with the music and lyrics, wouldn’t we find ourselves compelled to sing and shout? I’m thinkin’ . . .

Over the next number of days, let’s not allow to pass the chance to sing and shout. Whether it’s streaming a playlist, listening to the radio, or best of all, gathering with the redeemed, when you get the chance, sing aloud. Raise the rafters (MSG)! Be glad (NKJV)! Celebrate (MSG)!

This Christmas season, if we haven’t been already, may we sing like we’ve not sung in a long time as we sing to the King who is in our midst.

Singing of the King’s abounding grace. Shouting for the King’s all-deserving glory.

O come, let us adore Him!