Advent Chai with MalachiSample
Fourth Wednesday in Advent
Serious Anticipation
Basic Christmas fans assume Christmas begins on December 25. But actually, those of us who are "true believers" launch celebrations at 12:01 a.m. on November 1. Ha! As long as a Thanksgiving song remains unwritten, Christmas songs will continue their radio takeover. Naysayers cover their ears until December 1. Yes, I admit it. Like many others, I am a hardcore Christmas lover. I listen to Christmas songs all year round in preparation for the most wonderful time of the year.
My earliest Christmas memories coincide with Thanksgiving. The family began Christmas preparations on Thanksgiving night. My extremely forgetful mom somehow always remembered the location of the Soulful Christmas CD. Daddy and my older brother retrieved the artificial tree from the garage while my mother and big sisters gathered the decorations. Familiar melodies from the Temptations, the Emotions, and Donny Hathaway serenaded us as we commenced construction. The baby of the family, I had underdeveloped ornament placement skills that required my mom’s guidance. She always reminded me to separate similar ornaments and believed two ornaments could never be seen on the same branch. Sometimes, my mom let me place the special star. It came with us from the old apartment to our new house. Mama lifted me in the air, reminding me to make sure the star was straight.
Later, we lounged in the living room marveling at our beautiful tree and contrasting ornaments. The aroma of daddy’s perfectly marinated ham and turkey lingered.
Eventually, Black Friday deals beckoned. Between Black Friday and Christmas, new presents, in wrapping paper that matched the ornaments, appeared under the tree. Home Alone 1 and 2 became our primary entertainment. We laughed and quoted lines. My big sister antagonized me by addressing me as “Fuller.” To this day, my mother and I slow dance to Luther Vandross’ “Every Year, Every Christmas.” Each family tradition contributed to the anticipation of the day we loved most. We welcomed Christmas as a beloved yet rarely seen family member.
Likewise, God wants his children to welcome the Day of the Lord. “The Day of the Lord” refers to the imminent future judgment of the world. The phrase “imminent future judgement” understandably generates fear. With judgement comes punishment—but only if you are the guilty party. God desires his children to welcome the Day of the Lord. On that day “the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings” (Mal. 4:2).
Does God’s coming judgment cause fear or produce assurance for you? Why? Do you doubt your sins have truly been forgiven? God’s children are not expected to cower in fear on this day, but are designed to “go out leaping like calves from the stall” (v. 2). Believers should expect nothing but joy and a final satisfaction on that day because of the written promises we hold dear in our hearts. —Janay Barksdale
Prayer:
Father, thank you for choosing to call me your child. I realize I am undeserving of that title. I fall short of your expectations. Help me live with a sensitive awareness of your Son’s return. Just as a I longed for the Christmas season as a child, I want to long for the Day of the Lord. Forgive me for living as if that day may never come. Help me to live without fear of your coming judgement. You have not given me the spirit of fear. In the name of the one your children eagerly await, Jesus. Amen.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
And his kingdom will have no end.
Photo credit: SJ Baren on Unsplash
Scripture
About this Plan
Advent Chai with Malachi is a devotional designed to help readers draw near to God in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Scriptures from the Book of Malachi are accompanied by reflections on each passage and end with a simple prayer.
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