Hope-Filled Anticipation

Hope-Filled Anticipation Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 1:18-21 Here we are, the first Sunday of Advent! Thanksgiving has been celebrated, Black Friday sales have ended, and soon the Cyber Monday deals will be happening! There are a ton of events that are taking place to be excited about, but for me the one event to be excited about is this Sunday! The first Sunday of Advent! Advent is what we refer to in the Christian faith as the time of preparing, awaiting the arrival of Jesus! His blessed birth! We just heard the Gospel message of Romans 13:11-14. It says the day is near, the time for us to wake up and follow the law of love. And that message is God’s greatest commandment. We are to realize that the time of our sinful ways should be coming to an end. Put on the armor of light! The second reading is found in Matthew 1:18-21. This reading is, of course, the story of the angel appearing to Joseph and saying “do not be afraid … for what is conceived in Mary is from the Holy Spirit.” Very important readings as we prepare for Jesus’ birth, and I am not going to go into the depth of these familiar Scriptures! What I am sharing is that as we are preparing in the four weeks ahead, we need to be excited! We are preparing for the birth of Jesus! Christmas! How wonderful! The birth of Jesus is the beginning of our year as Christians, so we should be excited and hopeful! Not only hopeful, but with great anticipation! When I realized that I would be speaking on the first Sunday of Advent, I was thrilled! And why not? For many of you already know how I am, the first thought I had was (I will sing) “prepare ye the way of the Lord!” from the production of Godspell! Also, “Ya’ll ready for this!” and “I’m so excited!” With “Anticipation” and, of course, never forget, “All My Hope Is in Jesus!” You got it … I love to refer to songs or lines in songs as a source to remind me of such events! The birth of Jesus was prophesized many times in the Old Testament, as found in Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2 and even in Psalm 22:7-8, to name just a couple books. The message of Jesus’ birth is one of joy, wonder and awe. The Good News is that no matter what is happening in the world today, Christ’s birth brings us much joy and hope. That hope comes from the fact that Jesus loves us as we are. He came to earth to forgive our sins and He offers salvation if only we follow Him. I have mentioned that as we start this season of Advent, we need to have hope filled with anticipation. Anticipation of the birth of Jesus. Anticipation is standardly associated with a positive event, one we know what is going to happen. The definition of anticipation is waiting, expecting, hopeful, a positive, perhaps joyous time. This time for us is anticipating the birth of Jesus. As believers, we know that it does happen. We can’t become complacent and comfortable, ho hum! This time of year need not become stressful but bless filled! As we begin Advent, our excitement needs to be ever present. We need to remember and view all the events that lead up to this miracle with enthusiastic excitement. It is so easy to get caught up with all the issues of this world, the hubbub of secular celebrations. I am not referring to the traditions that we practice — caroling, baking cookies, gift giving, and all those fun activities. What I am saying is start this season with a focus on the miracle that is going to happen. The life-giving delivery! A blessing for all who will follow Him and listen. Do we have this hope-filled anticipation? Let me share a story. Recently I was treated to a Broadway show, The Music Man. The story line of this musical takes place in the 1940’s in a very small town. River City, Iowa, is the name of the town. Back in those days, the high point of the month was a delivery from the Wells Fargo wagon. People would be so excited and happy to see the deliveries coming for them. A young boy in the town named Winthrop had a distinct lisp, and this made him very shy. He was so eager and excited when the delivery arrived, as he sings (I will sing it) “the Wells Fargo wagon is a coming now I don’t know how I can ever wait to “thee.” “It could be thumpin’ for thumone’ who is no relation, but it could be, thumpin, thepescial just for me!” The total excitement, enthusiasm and anticipation was awe inspiring. As the story develops, there is more to the entire story than this. There is a music man who comes to this small town and convinces the townspeople that they need a boys’ band, which does happen. However, what was realized is something more. We too get deliveries every day from UPS, USPS, Amazon, Wal-Mart, etc. And for a moment there is a brief excitement. Every day we receive a gift. A gift from God! Delivered to us, for you and for me! Are we as excited each day as Winthrop? Do we wake up each morning with enthusiasm, excitement, joy, gladness in our hearts? Hopeful anticipation! I started to think (God inspired this message to me). Are we getting excited and hopeful as the time draws near the blessed miracle? Do we look at the upcoming birth of Jesus with the eagerness of a young child? Are we like Winthrop? I surely pray that we are! Along with our hope and enthusiasm, we need to share with everyone of the Good News that Jesus Christ will be born on Christmas! How do we share this enthusiasm and hope? By continually reading the Word of God, showing to others our love by the happiness we have because of God’s love for us. Sing praises to the Lord for all that He has given us, offering a prayer for those who are in need, showing up or being there for others. These are just some of the ways to share the Good News, to show our hope, our love. This message may seem very simple, and it is. The first Sunday of Advent is the beginning of a wonderful season of waiting and preparing with hope. With excitement, joy, sharing to the world the news that Jesus Christ will be born! Let us never lose our enthusiasm and fill our lives with Hope-Filled Anticipation! Amen. Rosalie