Advent Day 12

In this profound Advent reflection on Malachi 3, we encounter a challenging yet deeply comforting image: God as a refiner's fire. The passage asks a piercing question that resonates through the ages — who can endure when the Lord comes? But here's the beautiful truth we discover: the difference between a refining fire and a destructive fire isn't the temperature, but the presence of an attentive refiner. God doesn't throw us into the crucible and walk away. He sits with us, actively engaged, carefully scraping away the impurities that rise to the surface. A goldsmith knows his work is complete when he can see his own reflection in the metal, and Christ refines us until others can see his reflection in our lives.

This Advent season reminds us that the Messiah came not to destroy us but to purify us, to reveal our true value as precious metals in his hands. The refining process may feel intense, but it's motivated by love — God values us too much to leave us unchanged. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we're invited to pray that simple yet transformative prayer: 'Refiner's fire, my heart's one desire is to be holy, set apart for You.' The gift of Christmas is ultimately this: a Savior who sees not just who we are, but who we're becoming through his patient, loving work in our lives.

🎧 For additional encouragement, listen to Refiner's Fire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wnB1mSTsD8&list=PLSVdWmL3WBddbSuPfppFGa_c2KyQwXxdx&index=12