In the Bible, the last book in the Old Testament is Malachi, a short book that predicts future events that can be recognized by anyone familiar with the Christmas story. Three questions that Malachi asked are still relevant today.

The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi. “I have loved you,” says the Lord. Yet you ask, “How have you loved us?” Malachi 1:2

Many years before Malachi, the Israelites began returning from exile in Babylon as foretold by their prophets but threats and uncertainty were all around them. Their rebuilt city and temple were a shadow of what had been built by King David and Solomon. Where was the glorious temple from the visions seen by Ezekiel? Where was their conquering Messiah-King? Why was the boot of their oppressor still on their neck? Some turned their backs or participated half-heartedly in their religion. You can hear them say, "If God is real and loves us, where is he now?"

Sound familiar? Being a skeptic is not unique to our time. Abandoning beliefs, breaking traditions, doubting and questioning authority were just as much an issue when Malachi wrote those words 450 years before Jesus was born as they were that night a baby was born in Bethlehem or as they are today.

After Malachi wrote his book there would be no more prophets. No word from God. Generations would come and go… "How have you loved us?" echoing in the cold dark silence.

The next question to highlight from Malachi is short. "And you ask, 'WHY?'…" (Malachi 2:14) Read it for yourself, but my take on this question is "Why doesn't God love us anymore". Why doesn't He answer our prayers? Why isn't He pleased with our gifts? Why are we not good enough?

They already knew the answer to why God was not pleased…they just didn't like to hear it. Neither do we. Malachi had spent the previous few verses exposing the issue. Selfishness. Unfaithfulness. Rebellion. Dishonesty. Two-faced hypocrisy. Nothing new or unique. The same faults that lurk within all our hearts. The real question was what could they do about it?

Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. Yet you ask, “How can we return?”   Malachi 3:7

After 400 years of silence, I find it amazing there were still people waiting, anticipating and yearning to experience the love of God. Believing beyond what they could see, that somewhere, somehow, the loving God who made a covenant with Abraham and Jacob 2000 years before was real and would make good on His promises.

How could they overcome the gap between themselves and God? How could their broken relationship be made whole? Fortunately for them and for us the solution is not in our hands.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17

Jesus is the answer to all three of Malachi's questions:

• "How have you loved us?" The creator of all things humbly came to earth as a baby to be with us. To be one of us. Living our limitations and challenges. To face and defeat death for us.
• "Why am I not good enough?" While we were hiding in shame or running away in rebellion, God reached out to restore us into a loving and whole relationship. He loves us as we are, in all of our brokenness and weakness and invites us to join Him and be transform in relationship with Him.
• "How can we return?" This is the best part. He has made the way. Believe that Jesus is who He claims to be. Trust in Him and Him only to save. Turn away from trying to make it on our own, admitting that we are not able and accept His invitation.

Whether this Christmas is the first time you have considered these questions or you have journeyed to Bethlehem many times before, may you receive the amazing gift given that first Christmas and accept the love offered. Come, bow down at the manger and worship in wonder and awe.