Christmas Expectations
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Wow it is Christmas already.
Most of You already checked your gifts our. Did you get what you wanted? Were all your expectations met.
I for one am very glad to be here with you today. Trina and I had COVID and the last 10 days have been very rough. I didn’t expect COVID
We had expectations of our Daughter coming up, a super fun Church Christmas party and Christmas Eve Service, Trip to Roseville.
Expectations
Expectations come in many different ways, not just Christmas
For students its your grades how did I do on the finals how did the semester end up ?
As parents we have expectations for our children - How are my children going to turn out?
Am I going to get the job ?How much does it pay ?
Finances - Market expectations – Retirement ?
Our life is full of expectations
Did you know the Bible talks about 7 expectations and responses to the Birth of Christ?
1. No Response
Ceasar Agustus – Lk 2:1 “1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.”
- Census – Dan 2:44 “44 “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.”
This prophecy sets up the coming king during the reign of a world empire. That should of been very significant to a World King who wants to keep power.
1.Wrapped up in his own world the world leader had no recorded response other than a census
2. Caesar Augustus represents the worlds response – the world is wrapped up in itself
Jesus said he is going to return again and the earth is not going to expect his arrival. He is going to come like a thief in the night
2. Troubled Response
Herod – Matthew 2:1-3 “1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”
Herod thought he was king and this news troubled him. Magi just don’t show up every day asking a king where the true king is?
Herod was a Jew also waiting for the Messiah - He should have been excited
It has been said of queen Elizabeth that she said she couldn’t wait for the day to lay her crown at the feet of Jesus the true King .
3. Triumphant Response
Angels – Gabriel - He was a herald to the coming king – Usually when you here of angels you never hear their name
luke 1:28 “28 And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.””
– so to Mary he says rejoice
Luke 1:13 -16 “13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. 14 “You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. 16 “And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God.”
– to Zacharias – Joy
It was Peace – to a world of chaos
4. Enthusiastic Response
Shephards – Luke 2: 8-10 “8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;” , Luke 2: 16-18 “16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.”
Immediate response was fear then they made haste (meaning they were diligent to check it out) – then the spread the word ( they certified the event they were the witnesses) It was real to them –These no ordinary Shepherds were captivated - They were the first evangelists
5. Response of Worship
Wise Men – Matthew 2:10-11 “10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
- they followed the star gave gifts fell down and worshipped him then they followed the word of the angel not to return to Herod
6. Response of Honor
Simeon , the righteous
– Luke 2:25-35 “25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” 33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign t…”
. It literally means that they were “alert to His appearance, and ready to welcome Him.”
When Jesus was 40 days old he was presented in the temple and Honored
An Evening Prayer. a Simeon Prayer - You children, praise the Lord: praise the name of the Lord. We praise You, we sing hymns to You, we bless You for Your great glory, O Lord our King, the Father of Christ the immaculate Lamb, who takes away the sin of the world. Praise becomes You, hymns become You, glory becomes You, the God and Father, through the Son, in the most holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen. Now, O Lord, let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all people, a light for the revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.
He was waiting for the consolation of Israel – The Divine comforter – Israels Comfort He recognized Jesus was the Messiah – He was the Coming Comfort to Israel
7. Response of Anticipation
Anna
Luke 2:36-38 “36 And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. 38 At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
She was expecting the Messiah – she couldn’t contain herself
Conclusion
If I look at myself and circumstances - my expectations and responses wont line up with the real reason why we are here.
Jesus was born to us a savior was given. Jesus Christ the Lord
When I think upon him
My strength comes back, my drive comes back - my hope comes back.
Today i am excited to be in the house of the Lord on Christmas. to be standing and worshipping with the saints. Giving God praise. AMEN