“Preparing or Waiting”

Text: Malachi 3:1-4

Sermon:

• In this advent time, we are awaiting in anticipating for the coming of Jesus. While it is

easy to simply wait for the coming of Jesus, we are in a time where we are preparing
ourselves for Jesus’ return.

• In the scripture, we see the illustration of the refiner’s fire. In my research I learned that

in the process of refining metals, raw metal ore is heated with fire until the metal melts.
The impurities separate from the liquid metal and rise to the surface. They are skimmed
off, leaving the pure metal.

• Without this heating and melting, no purifying would occur. As the impurities are

skimmed off the top, the reflection of the worker appears in the smooth, pure surface. The
“launderer’s soap” was alkali, used to whiten cloth. The washing and bleaching of cloth
are used here as an additional symbol for the purifying process.

• In this season, this is the refining process that we are preparing for. When we finallyencounter God’s love in this season, we encounter a love that refines and empowers us.
• Preparation is waiting that works up a sweat. The Christian remembrance of Advent

reminds us that there is a world of difference between waiting and preparing. And that,
when it comes to our souls and our spirits — not just our trees — there is trimming and
lighting and sprucing up to do.

• The Christian remembrance of Advent involves what poet Luci Shaw calls “the kind of

waiting that feels like work.” Which is exactly the kind of waiting the hearers of
Malachi’s prophecy don’t want to do.

• As we are purified by God, his reflection in our lives will become more and more clear

around us. But this purifying process can be painful. God says that leaders should be
especially open to his purification process in their lives. Are you open to enduring God’s
refining process?

• When God comes to us, God will refine us and purify us. This means that we will be

refined to best reflection of God. When we are refined and purified, we are not recreated
in God’s image, in fact, it means that we are reshaped and reformed to reflect God’s love.
Our characteristics and personalities remain the same, but we better reflect God’s love.

• So, what do we do to prepare during this season to be ready? It is in this time that we are

seeking the LORD. We do this through prayer, church services and bible studies. We also
seek God through our community and friendship.

• Community is important when it comes to reflected God and God’s love. When we love

our neighbor and build community, we are displaying one of God’s greatest attributes.

• God’s purpose of love for the world is embodied and enacted by Jesus’ birth, life, death

and resurrection. He came to be raised to life and to intercede for us, to comfort our fears,
to be our companion in loneliness and, in this way, Jesus continues to prepare us for a
different and better Kingdom. A kingdom of peace.

Conclusion: Let us be people who prepare ourselves for our connection with God.