Expectancy

On the Third Sunday of Advent we celebrate the Light of Expectancy.  The Jews awaited their Messiah for thousands of years.  He arrived on Christmas day.

We are awaiting His return.  This hit me on Sunday as we talked about it in Bible study and service.  As awe-inspiring as His first coming was, (imagine the Creator of the Universe came as a baby) His return will be nothing short of astounding...and that is putting it mildly.  When I think about Him coming at all, it is truly amazing.  Why would someone want to come down here to save a people who had rebelled against Him?

And what affected me so on Sunday was not the Christmas season as we see it now, but the fact that it points to His return.  There is something about aligning ourselves with the Jewish people in the expectancy of His coming that is truly beautiful.  I read somewhere years ago, that before the country of Israel was reestablished, Jews around the world would toast on certain holidays "next year in Jerusalem".  As a Christian, my focus should be, "next year in Heaven".

As I listened to the songs during service on Sunday the line in O Little Town of Bethlehem stood out:  "the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight". And yes they were.  Hope for a future, deliverance of fear of death.   I am looking forward to the new day, to His return.  The day when we sing "Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King!"

So for me, this Christmas has become about "expectancy".  This God visit on Sunday brought me to a new place in celebrating the holiday.  And I love it!!

Some verses to ponder this season:

Isaiah 9:6-7  For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice, even forever. For the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.  

Revelation 11:15  Then the seventh angel sounded;  And there were loud voices in heaven saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ and He shall reign forever and ever!"

1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord.  

I thank God for this new revelation and different way of looking at Christmas.  It is beautiful and wonderful and hope giving.

Revelation 22:20  He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly."  Amen.  Even so come, Lord Jesus!  

Are you expecting?