December 8, 2024

Scripture

Malachi 3:1-3a Behold, I send my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify…

Reflection

I have not spent much time with the prophecy of Malachi, except when listening to these very words in Handel’s Messiah.

Malachi is full of rhetorical questions—twenty-two in total. But the one in this text troubles me particularly: Who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

Do I want to answer this question? Will I feel the fire of the Lord’s judgment that sears the dross of my indifference and brings forth tears of sincere repentance?

(The Lutheran Study Bible, p. 1544)

No. I would much rather take the easier way of preparing my heart to make room for the Christ Child and Redeemer of the world by singing Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah while lighting candles on my Advent wreath, by making my house fair as I’m able, trimming the hearth and setting the table (People Look East, WOV 626).

I hope, nonetheless, and pray that my response to Malachi’s question is to fall on my knees in awe-filled humility and in fervent prayer. Moved to watch and wait and pray throughout this holy season. And to repent. In this way the Lord will prepare my heart to receive him, and I will truly LIVE in his presence.

Prayer

Dear Lord, every day you stand knocking at the door of my heart, calling in to me. Awaken my ear this Advent season that I may hear your voice, open the door, and keep Christmas with you. Amen.

Kristina Braaten-Lee