Anticipating God's Timing - Trusting His Plan

A season of anticipation

Here we are at Christmas Eve. Arguably one of the most anticipated days of the calendar year, in the most anticipated seasons of the year!

Let’s be honest, some of you thought Christmas started back on October 29th.

That’s right, the tree was up and lit before the tick or treaters came to your door. You all know who you are who did it. I don’t want to see any hands - but I am judging you in my head.

You guys treat Thanksgiving like its just a Christmas Dinner warm-up.

There’s so much to look forward to this time of year.

School concerts,

Winter break

Seeing family and friends,

Mariah Carey singing all I want for Christmas is you

And of course, everyone has their favorite holiday foods, treats, desserts - that I’m sure you’re very much anticipating.

From The end of October, to December 25th, the mystique of this season is built on anticipation.

Before we dive into spirit of the message, let’s first talk about what anticipation is.

The Role of Anticipation

Anticipation itself is not an emotion but a classification of emotions which include the following: fear, anxiety, hope, and trust.

And while they’re all individually classified as anticipatory emotions, the experience of anticipation is a combination on different levels of each of these emotions charging us up for the moment we have been waiting for.

When Diana was in the hospital, ready to have Evie, I can tell you very matter of factly that I experienced all 4 of those emotions in what I can only describe as a blindfolded rider on a rollercoaster.

You start to think all sorts of crazy things...

Do we have everything we need?

What is something goes wrong and I have to punch a Dr? This would be extra awkward considering the resident delivering was our next door neighbor.

Why didn’t I sneak some good bourbon into the hospital?

Take a moment and think about a time you had that sort of anticipation. When it comes to mind and you can really visualize it, you probably notice that your heart rate is elevating, you’re smiling just a little bit more, and you may even get to that point where even your senses start playing back what they experienced in that moment. The smells, the tastes, the images are even just a little more vivid that for a moment, you might not even be able to tell if what you’re thinking about is just a memory or really happening.

Trusting God’s Plan

Anticipating The Messiah

Divine Timing

[Conclusion]