Advent is a time of preparation and waiting but what are we really waiting for – a child born in a manger or something else? And what are the ramifications of this arrival, what do you expect and just what might happen when the time of waiting is over? What is the meaning of Jesus’ arrival for you this year?
Malachi has some ideas on what should be expected and they are very un-babe-in-the-manger like. Read on and you may find some additional thoughts to include in your Christmas preparations. Malachi speaks to a community which had returned from exile and rebuilt the temple, yet the new world of blessings and peace spoken of by prophets like Isaiah had not commenced. He likely is writing to a people who are disheartened and question God’s promises.
Malachi 3:1-4 The Message Version
3:1 “Look! I’m sending my messenger on ahead to clear the way for me. Suddenly, out of the blue, the Leader you’ve been looking for will enter his Temple—yes, the Messenger of the Covenant, the one you’ve been waiting for. Look! He’s on his way!” A Message from the mouth of God-of-the-Angel-Armies.
2-4 But who will be able to stand up to that coming? Who can survive his appearance? He’ll be like white-hot fire from the smelter’s furnace. He’ll be like the strongest lye soap at the laundry. He’ll take his place as a refiner of silver, as a cleanser of dirty clothes. He’ll scrub the Levite priests clean, refine them like gold and silver, until they’re fit for God, fit to present offerings of righteousness. Then, and only then, will Judah and Jerusalem be fit and pleasing to God, as they used to be in the years long ago.
Malachi later identifies the messenger as Elijah (4:5-6) and the Gospels give John the Baptist this role. In the Jewish tradition Elijah’s return preceeds the coming of the Messiah and a seat and cup is reserved for him at the Seder Table.
• Verse 1 brings good news for the Israelites. What does Malachi give as the purpose of the coming of the messenger (v 1)? Does this sound like what they may have been looking and hoping for? How must the people have felt when they heard these words?
• The good news is tempered with a stern reality? What will be the focus of the Lord’s return, what will be done? Is it something to anticipate with relish? What does it appear that Malachi feels is standing between the Israelites and God’s blessing?
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes of this theme of judgment in an Advent sermon he preached in 1928:
It is very remarkable that we face the thought that God is coming, so calmly, whereas previously peoples trembled at the day of God . . . . We have become so accustomed to the idea of divine love and of God's coming at Christmas that we no longer feel the shiver of fear that God's coming should arouse in us. We are indifferent to the message, taking only the pleasant and agreeable out of it and forgetting the serious aspect, that the God of the world draws near to the people of our little earth and lays claim to us. The coming of God is truly not only glad tidings, but first of all frightening news for every one who has a conscience.
Only when we have felt the terror of the matter, can we recognize the incomparable kindness. God comes into the very midst of evil and of death, and judges the evil in us and in the world. And by judging us, God cleanses and sanctifies us, comes to us with grace and love.1
• What is your reaction to Bonhoeffer’s words? Have you ever included thoughts of God’s judging with Advent? Do these words fit with your understanding and feelings about Jesus as you think about his birth?
• Is there any part of the Christian theology or liturgy that includes cleansing as a part of Jesus’ coming? What did the people who came to John the Baptist receive as part of the preparation he was announcing?
• Malachi’s words might be more appropriate for Lent rather than Advent but can we really separate the two? Are there any elements of our Lenten preparation which might also be included in Advent?
• Let’s review, after thinking about these questions what should we include in our expectations and thoughts about the consequences of the birth of Christ? What would you include in a description of who Jesus is and the meaning his coming has for you? Try writing it down as part of your Advent preparations.
Closing Prayer
Prepare us to embrace your presence and your leading, O God of promise. Open our hearts to the words of your prophets, who bid us to journey in your wise ways of justice and peace. Amen.Next Week’s Scriptures: Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Isaiah 12:2-6, Zephaniah 3:14-20
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