Expectation Fulfilled

o Far we have looked at the prophecies of Messiah and what it means to wait on the Lord by Holding Onto His promises

Then we looked at the miracle birth of John the Baptist - the fire runner for Christ and talked about being prepared in God’s presence and Open to a miracle

Last week we spoke of Mary and her need to persevere in God’s plan for her life and own salvation

These things spell out all of our Hope except for the best part

Expectation fulfilled

Culminating to all of these - just like God’s promises for our lives is that what we hope for becomes sight…

Hebrews 11:1 NLT

1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

Finally after waiting, being open and persevering came the desire of the hearts of Mary and Joseph and those of Israel

Jesus arrived on earth!

God became flesh and dwelt here on earth - Immanuel - God with us - no longer separated but the hope for being redeemed from sin had arrived!

Luke 2:1–20 NLT

1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. 8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

When God fulfills are expectations it becomes a time to rejoice!!!

1. Faith is rewarded with a Miracle

Mary and Joseph saw their faith made sight - they trusted the Angel - it was not easy, but here was the miracle.

2. Arrival of a miracle leads to rejoicing and Praise

the visit of shepherds on that night - Jesus would be the Shepherd of all Mens souls -

Israel’s Hope had been fulfilled! They came to rejoice

Don’t forget to praise God when the miracle arrives

3. Confirmation gives something to hold onto for the seasons ahead

Mary pondered all this in her heart - her days ahead now with miracle and promise in hand we’re unknown, but this confirmation of the shepherds visit and worship of this child spoke that this is a God thing

Don’t doubt when God does it but receive it and ponder it for encouragement in the moments ahead when living with His miracle