We Need a Bath!

Last week we embarked on the journey of Advent. We lit the first candle, and
we read biblical passages that propelled us into the future to consider the
end of time-the apocalypse. Today, our reading sends us in the opposite
direction. On the second Sunday of Advent, we are pulled into the distant
past to hear the words of the ancient prophet, Malachi.
Malachi tells of a figure who is coming "to prepare the way for the Lord."
He speaks of a messenger who will purify people's hearts. "God is sending an
emissary," writes Malachi, "who comes intending to cleanse your souls."

It all seems a bit presumptuous, doesn't it? In the midst of our
pre-Christmas hustle and bustle, the church trots out some primitive prophet
who promises us an Advent scrub-down. Is that really what we need right now?
You would think that the lectionary could come up with a few encouraging
words at this time-assuring us that we will make it through another
Christmas, instead of cheekily suggesting that before God arrives, we need a
bath.

Scott Black Johnston, Fire and Soap