The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
By Rev. Ina Golaiy, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church "Surely the day is coming; . . ." Malachi 4:1 Biblical historians suggest that Malachi was most likely the last prophet of the Old Testament and lived around 445 B.C. He carried God's word in very difficult times. The Jewish people had returned from exile, but did not have the same political status they once had enjoyed. The glorious future that had been announced by former prophets had not yet been realized and God had not yet come to reside in the temple or bring the kingdom into their midst. The people began to doubt God's covenant of love and no longer trusted in God's justice. They were fearful and losing hope. Into this oppression and internal strife, Malachi brought two messages: God is displeased with the lack of piety in the community gathered around the temple and God is about to send a messenger who will reunite and purify all of Israel prior to the "great and terrible day of the Lord." (Malachi 4:5) But the promised messenger would not come for over 400 years. And those years were a dark and gloomy time. It was dark politically because the people continued to be oppressed and persecuted. It was dark spiritually because their temple was once again destroyed, which threatened their faith with extinction. It was dark because there was no prophet from God to guide them. But during those years people also turned to the Torah, for that was the only word from God that they had and they began developing a personal relationship with God because they no longer had the temple and the priests to intercede on their behalf. When life seemed the most desperate, the most hopeless, when it looked like God had abandoned the people, God's word, God's messenger, did indeed come. God's word came to a poor, young virgin, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus." (Luke 1: 30-31) God's messenger came to shepherds tending their sheep out in a field and "the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see Ð I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:9-11) The people remembered Isaiah's words, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness Ð on them light has shined. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:2, 6), and were filled with joy. May the glory of the Lord shine upon those who walk in darkness this day and may all be blessed with hope, peace, joy and love during this most holy Christmas season, for a child has been born for us, as well, who is the Messiah, the Lord, Jesus.
