Sermon for Advent 3 – Malachi 3:1-4

So let me tell you, Advent just don’t get no respect. I don’t know about you, but I think it’s the most shortchanged season of the church year. It’s not just that Advent is only four weeks long. It’s like we’re not sure what to make of Advent. A lot of people think Advent is a season of preparation. A lot of my pastor friends are posting on Facebook these days – How are you preparing for Jesus? I guess that makes sense. In our readings that phrase “prepare the way of the Lord” keeps popping up, so it sticks. But what does it actually mean? Well, a lot of people think that means Advent is like a 4 week-long tailgate party to fire up for the big Christmas shindig. Congregations go into overdrive with special events. We get busy with holiday plans and Christmas sales and 24/7 Christmas music on the radio and Hallmark specials you don’t want to miss! Not that I hate all that (well, I do kind of hate the Hallmark Channel but this isn’t about me). Anyway, how overwhelming is that?

Other people think preparing the way of the Lord means some kind of spiritual housecleaning. They start thinking about mediation and quiet. Make some tea, light some candles, pick up an devotional, try to pray more. Now, there’s nothing wrong with any of that. I should do more of that myself. Except, we can do that any time. We don’t really need a special Advent season to play spiritual catch up.

So here’s the thing. what if Advent isn’t really a season of preparation?