Introduction
In this sermon, I reflected on the joy and challenge of waiting, particularly in the context of the Christmas season. As we hastily count down to Christmas, I noted how waiting can be difficult yet is often accompanied by unwavering faith, particularly among God's people who awaited the Messiah. Their long anticipation ultimately culminated in the miraculous birth of Jesus, signifying both the fulfillment of God's promises and the beginning of our own anticipation for His return.
Main Points
In Our Fast-Paced World Waiting Can
In our fast-paced world, waiting can feel burdensome, yet it can also be a time filled with joy as we anticipate the fulfillment of promises. For many, the countdown to Christmas embodies this tension; we eagerly wait while simultaneously engaging in joyful preparations, such as decorating and gift-giving.
- This experience mirrors the spiritual anticipation that the people of God felt as they awaited the Savior, a wait that lasted generations yet was steeped in hope.
- Their faith in God's promise propelled them through periods of uncertainty, teaching us that joy can coexist with waiting.
- The anticipation for Jesus’ arrival was steeped in the hope and fidelity of God's promises throughout the Old Testament.
- Prophecies foretold the coming of a Messiah who would save His people, culminating in the incarnational miracle of Jesus’ birth.
This Miraculous Event Is Not Just
This miraculous event is not just a story from long ago; it serves as a foundational truth that underscores God's faithfulness. Jesus’ arrival demonstrated that God’s promises can take time to unfold, yet they remain certain.
- As noted in Philippians 3:20, our citizenship lies in heaven, marking us as fellow heirs in the ongoing story of redemption.
- Just as the Israelites waited for their Messiah, we too find ourselves in a period of waiting.
- After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He returned to the Father, leaving us with the promise of His return.
- This promise invites us to live in a posture of expectancy.
While We Wait For Jesus To
While we wait for Jesus to come back and restore all things, we can actively participate in his mission on earth. This mission requires us to live in great anticipation and hope, even during trials and uncertainties. We are called to embody the light of Christ and share that hope with others, especially during the Christmas season. - Embrace the spirit of waiting with joy. - Actively participate in spreading hope to others. The Christmas season encourages us to be more than passive waiters; it beckons us to engage actively with the world around us.
This Involves Not Merely Anticipating The
This involves not merely anticipating the celebration of Jesus’ birth but also reflecting on the implications of His life. We have the opportunity, as merry-makers and messengers, to spread Christmas cheer, reminders of the hope we possess as we await Christ’s return. How we interact with others, express kindness, and share joy can profoundly impact those around us. In this season, let’s focus on nurturing both our hearts and those around us with the hope and joy that stem from God's fulfilled promises.
Conclusion
In summation, the essence of waiting, whether for Christmas or for Christ's return, reminds us of the hope we share as believers. We draw encouragement from the fact that God is faithful to His promises. Just as the faithful longed for the Savior, we now can live expectantly as we await His return, spreading joy and hope in our communities. As we celebrate this season of waiting, let us embody the promise of Christ within our hearts and share that light with the world around us.