"The Power of Expectation"

Visitors

I. Introduction

Introduction: The Power of Expectation

Good morning/afternoon/evening, everyone!

As we gather here today, I want to take a moment to transport you into the heart of the Christmas season.

Think about those moments of pure joy, the excitement that fills the air as we count down the days until Christmas morning.

Maybe it's the sound of carols in the air, the smell of gingerbread cookies, or the anticipation of being with loved ones.

Christmas is a time of expectation, and that theme of waiting is at the very core of the Christmas story.

Bible Verse: Luke 2:25-27 (ESV)

Luke 2:25–27 NIV

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,

Let's turn our attention to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verses 25 to 27.

We meet a man named Simeon—righteous, devout, and waiting for the consolation of Israel.

The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would see the Lord's Christ before he died. Now, let's pause here and absorb the significance of this moment.

Key Point 1: The Promise of God

To truly understand Simeon's anticipation, we need to journey back into the Old Testament, where God made promises about the Messiah.

In passages like Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6, and Micah 5:2, we see the groundwork laid for the arrival of a Savior.

Isaiah 7:14 NIV

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 9:6 NIV

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 is a powerful prophecy that creates a sense of anticipation for the coming Messiah. The titles given to the child—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—convey not only the significance of His birth but also the multifaceted nature of His role in bringing salvation. This verse underscores the expectation of a divine and transformative figure who will impact the course of history.

Micah 5:2 NIV

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Micah 5:2 provides a specific location for the birth of the Messiah—Bethlehem. This prophecy adds a geographical element to the expectation, setting the stage for the fulfillment of God's plan.

It emphasizes that the Messiah's origins are not confined to a particular era but reach back into ancient times, highlighting the eternal nature of the coming Savior.

These promises created a sense of hope and longing, a theme that resonates deeply with Simeon and others in the Christmas story.

The birth of Jesus wasn't a random event—it was the fulfillment of a divine promise.

Key Point 2: The Righteous Wait

Now, consider Simeon's righteousness and devotion.

His story is a testament to the broader theme we find throughout the Bible—a theme of waiting with faith.

Think about Abraham and Sarah waiting for the promised son, or the Israelites eagerly anticipating deliverance from slavery.

Abraham and Sarah waiting for the promised son:

Genesis 17:19 (ESV) - "God said, 'No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him.'"

Genesis 18:10 (ESV) - "The Lord said, 'I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.'"

Genesis 21:1-2 (ESV) - "The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him."

The Israelites eagerly anticipating deliverance from slavery:

Exodus 3:7-8 (ESV) - "Then the Lord said, 'I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey.'"

Exodus 12:41 (ESV) - "At the end of 430 years, on that very day, all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt."

Exodus 14:30-31 (ESV) - "Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses."

Simeon's story teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's timing, even when the wait seems prolonged or uncertain.

Key Point 3: The Holy Spirit's Guidance

As we explore Simeon's life, we can't ignore the role of the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit guided him, ensuring that he recognized Jesus when Mary and Joseph brought Him to the temple.

The Holy Spirit is a central figure in the Christmas narrative—from the conception of Jesus to the shepherds receiving the angelic message.

And this same Spirit is with us today, guiding us to recognize the presence of Christ in our lives during this Christmas season.

Conclusion: Waiting with Hope and Faith

In conclusion, my friends, let's reflect on the promises of God, the virtue of waiting with hope and faith, and the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit.

Christmas isn't just about the gifts under the tree—it's about the gift of Emmanuel, God with us.

As we navigate this Christmas season, let's anticipate not just the festivities but a deepened connection with the true meaning of Christmas.

Consider what you are waiting for this Christmas.

Is it a material gift, or is it a spiritual one—renewed faith, a deeper connection with God, or a sense of peace?

Let's commit to waiting with patience, hope, and unwavering faith.

I challenge each one of you. This Christmas, let us approach the season with renewed expectation. Shift your focus from the worldly expectations to the true meaning of Christmas. Actively seek Christ in your lives during this holiday season.

Let us embody the love of Christ through acts of kindness, generosity, and sharing His love with others. In doing so, we become vessels of His grace, fulfilling the true purpose of Christmas.

C. Closing Prayer

Let us bow our heads in prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. As we navigate the Christmas season, grant us the wisdom to maintain a sense of expectation and gratitude. May we be filled with the joy that comes from the fulfillment of your promises. Guide us in reflecting your love to those around us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Would you bow your heads with me as we close in prayer?

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the promises fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. Help us to wait with patience, hope, and unwavering faith. May this Christmas season be a time of spiritual growth and a deepened connection with you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Thank you, and may you have a blessed Christmas!

T.I.O

Start Talking:

1. Did the sermon's message about waiting and anticipation during Christmas resonate with your own experiences or traditions during this season? (Yes/No)

2. In your own words, how would you describe the atmosphere or feeling of anticipation during the Christmas season in your life?

3. Have you ever experienced a moment where you anticipated something, and the reality surpassed your expectations? (Yes/No)

Start Thinking:

1. Reflecting on the promises of God mentioned in the Old Testament, how does the fulfillment of these promises in the birth of Jesus add depth and meaning to the Christmas celebration?

2. Consider Simeon's righteous wait and the waiting experiences of Abraham, Sarah, and the Israelites. How do these stories inspire or challenge your own approach to waiting on God in your life?

3. How might the Holy Spirit's guidance, as seen in Simeon's life, influence the way we navigate the Christmas season today? In what ways can we actively seek and rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance?

Start Sharing:

1. Can you share a personal story of a time when waiting for something brought about unexpected blessings or insights in your life?

2. As we think about the promises of God, are there specific promises from Scripture that you hold onto during challenging times or seasons of waiting?

3. In the spirit of righteous waiting, is there an area in your life where you currently struggle with patience or trusting in God's timing? How can the group offer support and encouragement?

Start Doing:

1. What practical steps can you take this week to intentionally focus on the true meaning of Christmas, amidst the busyness and distractions of the season?

2. Considering the theme of waiting with hope and faith, is there a specific way you can extend patience or kindness to someone in your life during the Christmas season?

3. In light of the sermon, can you commit to spending a few moments each day in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and actions during this Christmas season?