As Christmas draws near some of us have a sense of
expectation- looking forward to spending time with loved ones, sharing cards
with friends near and far and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Children
anticipate the gifts they will enjoy. We count the days until the special day.
That first Christmas was a time of expectation. Mary
was awaiting the birth of her baby. The Israelites were waiting for the Messiah
who was predicted by the prophets. The sages in lands east of Israel were
looking for signs in the heavens.
In a small town in a conquered nation, to a humble
girl and her carpenter husband, God gave the world His Son, Jesus:
In the words of the prophet Isaiah:
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
His birth was first
announced not to kings, or religious rulers but to some of the most menial
workers, shepherds tending their flocks:
And there were shepherds
living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An
angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around
them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I
bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today
in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the
Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths
and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the
heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom
his favor rests.” Luke 2:8-14
The expectation of God’s promised
Saviour had been fulfilled.
…………
As I write this, my heart is heavy for my nation of Australia.
Only a few days ago 15 people were murdered and 41 injured at Bondi Beach,
Sydney in a terrorist attack on a Jewish Hannukah celebration. As Christians we
deeply respect the Jewish faith and mourn for this terrible tragedy, a stain on
our nation.
Expectation may mean something other than happiness at Christmas
also. Some approach the season with dread. It highlights family discord and
breakdown. It may stretch finances and exacerbate poverty. Loss and loneliness
can come into sharp focus. A break from normal routines can heighten mental
illness and addictions.
It's an important time of the year for Christians to be prayers,
sharers and mediators.
………….
Despite everything, we as Christians still live in hope and
expectation – because the Bible promises us that ultimately, God will restore
what has been lost and broken. The book of Revelation details Christ’s return –
the second coming and the establishment of a new heaven and earth under
Christ’s rule.
Then I saw “a new heaven and
a new earth,”[a] for
the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no
longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the
new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a
bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard
a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among
the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God
himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will
wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or
mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
5 He who was seated on the
throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this
down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:1-5
At my
church we sing a beautiful song called “He who is to Come” by Cody Carnes, Kristian Stanfill, and Passion ‧ 2023 and I would like to share
a portion of the lyrics. Versions are available on Youtube.
“ There is a day coming
When the old will pass away
Every wrong will be made right
No darkness, no night
The sun will light the way
There is a king coming
The one who conquer death and grave
No more pain and no more sorrow
This hope for tomorrow
Is our hope for the day
He who was, he who is
He who was, he who is
He who is to come
Christ the son of man
Riding on the cloud with a crown upon his head
Every eye will see him
With the nail scars in his hands
Hallelujah
Hallelujah “
We live in expectation of that day.
Rest in peace dear Matilda
