Readings for Celebrating Advent

An Oracle From the Lord About the Messiah

3 Look! I am sending my messenger!^[a] He will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord, whom you are seeking, will come to his temple! The Messenger of the Covenant,^[b] in whom you delight, will surely come, says the Lord of Armies.

² But who can endure the day when he comes? Who will remain standing when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire, like launderers bleach!^{[c] 3} He will be seated like a refiner and a purifier of silver. He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and like silver. They will belong to the Lord and bring him an offering in righteousness.