Anticipation …. The moments we wait for, the days when we look forward to something with such excitement we can’t sleep, we go from room to room in total distraction from the task because our minds are racing ahead to one thing – the EVENT. Whatever it is that has our full attention, we can’t settle down till the day comes, till the moment arrives. That must have been how it was in the days when Malachi 3 was written. Anticipation…excitement…a message from God…a promise.
December 10, 2015 Advent theme: Hope
The Advent scripture for today is 
Malachi 3:1-7 (The Message) – The Master You’ve Been Looking For
“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.
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.
“Yes, I’m on my way to visit you with Judgment. I’ll present compelling evidence against sorcerers, adulterers, liars, those who exploit workers, those who take advantage of widows and orphans, those who are inhospitable to the homeless—anyone and everyone who doesn’t honor me.” A Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies.
“I am God—yes, I Am. I haven’t changed. And because I haven’t changed, you, the descendants of Jacob, haven’t been destroyed. You have a long history of ignoring my commands. You haven’t done a thing I’ve told you. Return to me so I can return to you,” says God-of-the-Angel-Armies.
“You ask, ‘But how do we return?’
Anticipation can be exhausting along with the excitement. Does anyone else need a silent night? I could use one. Amy Grant
Because of Grace we Press On