The prophecy of Prophet Malachi portrays John the Baptist as herald to the Lord who will act as refiner and purifier of silver and gold. “I am sending My messenger to prepare the way before Me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple. He will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness.” The sacrifices offered by the priestly Levites have moral implications.

Hence, the appearance of John as Elijah, will turn the hearts of the Fathers to their children, and the children to their Fathers. In the ceremonial naming of the child, all hearts turned to the couple and the child. While everybody expected, and even argued, the custom of naming according to the household be kept, Zechariah stunned them by engraving on the tablet “His name is John.” The change of household name from the priestly Zechariah to John is a reverence of God’s command received in the sanctuary. Zechariah’s broken silence by his power of speech astonished his neighbours and relations. All who heard the marvels treasured them in their hearts. Indeed, they were filled with awe and wonder. So, they wonder what baby John will become, as assured the hand of God was upon him.

For us this Advent, we pray the hand of the Lord guides us to examine the inclinations of our hearts.