Growing Pains – This is the second Sunday in Advent, and our theme for the season is “Messages of Hope,” during which we are hearing some messages from the ancient prophets.  Today’s message is from Malachi.  Our Senior Miniter, Rev. Dr. Carol Cavin-Dillon, cites a book, Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead, who says that in the corporate world feedback is important.  Carol says that although sometimes feedback is tough for the person receiving the critical input, we all need it, and our response to God’s correction is important for our growth in faith.  In some ways the book of Malachi is a scene where the people have been complaining through the time of the rebuilding of Jerusalem that they are not thriving and God has forsaken them.  The prophet is presenting God’s case against the people’s accusations and thus the feedback.  One of the key words is “return,” which can also be translated from the Hebrew, “repent.”  Malachi’s image of the refiner’s fire and the fuller’s soap, both of which are harsh for the recipient but are purifying, is a good image for us to receive correction.  God loves us, but if that is all we hear, our faith is bland.  It is crucial for us to respond and to live our faith. 

(NOTE: Reflecting the importance of the Word, the video begins with the scripture, but once it starts you can scroll back to the beginning of the service if you want.  The entire service is videoed.)