When I read God’s Word that will be preached during worship, I look for verses that jump off the page, or that match our sermon theme. On occasion, a verse stands out and I really don’t want to use it. This week we will read from Malachi 3, a prophecy about John the Baptist and about the Lord coming “like a blazing fire that refines metal.” Then he records, “At that time I will put you on trial.” Nope. Not wanting to write about that fire and my own trial. Christmas is coming and I want to write about sweet baby Jesus.
Malachi’s blazing passage ends with this promise, “‘Now return to me, and I will return to you,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Ah ha – the prophecy is about sweet baby Jesus! This is meant for more than just the Levites in the time Malachi was written. Being refined like metal or standing trial before God Almighty still sounds scary. And yet. It’s a solid promise for Christians: Repent and return to the Lord and He will return to us. Jesus refines us and makes us acceptable to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Our Savior was born to save us and add so much more to this life and beyond. We return to the Lord again and again, with our sweet baby Jesus by our side. Advent joy! ~ Tracy