The Book of Malachi is the final voice before the long

silence.

It calls God's people back to reverence, covenant, and

faithful worship.

Like the holy had grown small They

brought the blind and broken Then wondered why

he grieved Their lips still spoke his covenant

But their hearts would not believe

Yet He said, I have loved you Even when your love

grew cold From the rising of the morning His name would

still be known Return unto the Lord

Return with holy fear

Bring more than empty offerings

Bring a heart that draws Him near

For the covenant still remembers And the altar still is flame.

Return unto the Lord and honor His great name.

They wearied Him with questions.

Where is justice now?

The wicked seem to prosper, and

the proud still walk unbowed.

But the Lord they sought was coming to his temple like

a fire, like a refiner at the furnace, Purifying His desire

Who may stand when He appears? Who can face His day?

He will cleanse the sons of Levi Till their offering finds

its way Return unto the Lord

Return with holy fear

Bring more than empty offerings

Bring a heart that draws Him near

For the covenant still remembers and the altar still is flame

Return unto the Lord and honor His great

name A book of remembrance opened for the ones who feared

His name They spoke together softly and the Lord heard every

flame.

They shall be mine, he says, in the day I make

them jewels. When I spare them as a father, spares the

child who walks in truth.

Unto you who fear him The sun shall rise

and heal With righteousness like mourning Over

every wound concealed And before the day of burning

Before the silence breaks Elijah's voice will call them.

Turn the harps before it's late. Return unto the Lord.

Return with holy fear.

The messenger is coming and the kingdom draws

near For the covenant still remembers And the altar still

is flame Return unto the Lord And honor His

great name Then silence fell on Israel But promise

held the night Until the voice cried in the wilderness

Prepare the way of light

you