In a book full of judgment, Amos wrote these verses at the end of this book to comfort and confront his hearers. Israel was meant to compare the hope Amos held out for them here with the things they were currently hoping in. These verses do the same for us today: they comfort us and confront us. Likewise, we should consider what we’re hoping in and compare that with what Amos holds out to us.

Zephaniah’s “Christmas card” offers a brief glimpse into the expansive beauty of the gospel. God is both the just judge and the gracious savior. In Jesus, God has taken away the judgments against us—so we can sing and rejoice in his gift of salvation. And when we accept his gift, God himself rejoices and sings over us.

The visit of a family member often gives space and opportunity for reflection. The question typically driving the conversation is: What has happened in your life since the last time we saw one another? There is one of two directions this conversation might go.