Malachi 3:1-3

Purifier

Reflection:  The first words of this passage reflect the prophecy of the appearing of John the Baptist, a harbinger of the coming of Christ. John shall prepare the way before Christ, by calling people to repentance.  The Messiah has long been expected and now shortly he will come.  He is the messenger of the covenant.  Those who seek Jesus shall find pleasure in him.  The verse continues “he will be like a refiner’s fire… He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”  Christ by his gospel shall purify and reform his church by his spirit working in us, he shall regenerate and cleanse souls.

This is the heart of the Advent message.  Not an easy task, to repent, to allow for refining, and purifying.  As a youth I didn’t think of Advent that way, I was more focused on the gifts expected and celebrations with family and friends.  But this idea of repentance is the core of Advent, preparing our hearts and souls for Christ.  We are called to reflect on areas God wants us to work on, spend time in quiet reflection in anticipation of Christ.  This is a more difficult view, but more meaningful, so we can enjoy the gifts of Christ and the celebrations of his presence in our lives.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, please be with us as we reflect on the true meaning of Advent, allow our hearts and minds to be open to repentance, to be refined and purified this Advent season, in Christ’s name we pray.  Amen.

Jack Snyder, Deacon