There are all kinds of things that we tend to anticipate: vacations, the weekend, buying that new car, graduation, family reunion, promotion, latest version of cell phone (or other tech device), release of movies, etc.  The birth of a baby is one of those events that is  highly anticipated.  It is the birth of baby that is reason we celebrate Christmas – the birth of a baby some 2000 years ago.  I was reminded of this recently while reading the first two chapters of Luke – it really was the natural rotation of my Bible reading.

There were many examples of anticipation surrounding the birth of Jesus.  Zechariah and Elizabeth were anticipating the birth of their baby – later to be named John.  Due to Zechariah’s lack of belief, he was mute for several months while the pregnancy progressed, so he likely also anticipated being able to speak again!  (Presently, I am anticipating being able to walk and swing a golf club again – my back went out two days ago while visiting with family – major interruption of Christmas vacation!)  Next Mary and Joseph anticipated
the birth of their baby –Jesus.
 
These parents were not the only ones expectantly waiting, however.  The Hebrew people were waiting for a Savior, the Messiah. There were some now famous shepherds who so anticipated seeing this Messiah, that they traveled into Bethlehem at the announcement of an
angel to see Him. There was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon who had been promised not to die before he saw the Messiah and had prophetic words to express to the parents which likely only heightened their anticipationof the future of their son.

Today, we can anticipate the work of Jesus through the Holy Spirit in our lives and what purposes he has for us.  In this New Year, let’s anticipate what God will do as we trust that he indeed cares for us.  Let’s experience Him in a fresh way in 2013 while we anticipate His return.

Most recently, the sermon series at our church was centered on the word, “anticipate”.  At first, I found it hard to relate until I noticed that I had used the word several times in conversation and I began thinking about the New Year.  Generally, this time of year I take personal inventory and begin to think about goals I want to reach and activities in which I want to engage in the coming year. Well, I was doing it –
Anticipating!
Anticipation can keep us going.  That hope and expectancy can power us on to life and happiness in spite of what unfortunate things go on around us.  There have been some rather rotten things (to say the least) that have gone on in our country recently (shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School) and we have a choice as to how to respond.  I choose to be all the more determined to be a catalyst and conduit for good and an advocate for hope and positive expectancy.  I will hug those closest to me and tell them “I love them” while I can.
It is the Spirit of Christmas that will enable us to maintain that attitude of blessing and hopeful anticipation.  Those of us who are celebrating the birth of Jesus at this time of year are anticipating what blessings and wonder He might demonstrate next.
I know that all things are not good, but let’s allow that to be an even stronger motivator for us to be instruments of good in the world –others need us to understand, listen, carry the hope and point them to the One who is the answer to our need – the real reason for the
season.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

For some, this is the most festive, joyous time of the year –for others, it is often the saddest.  If you are in that second group, you can start today changing that this year.  I would like for you to look with me at the following scripture:
2 Corinthians 1: 3-11
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and
salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that  just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of
death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

First, Paul refers to Christ as the one who gives comfort in times of trouble for a reason: in order that we might comfort others in ANY
trouble.  He notes that he has suffered greatly himself and recognizes that we do as well, but whether in distress or in comfort it is for the comfort and salvation of others and is intended to create patient endurance.

Paul and his companions were under severe hardship far beyond their ability to endure, but they relied on God for their strength. Yes, it is
easier said than done; but, anything is easier said than done!  You don’t get the benefit if you do not “do”!  So, this Christmas refuse to allow losses and other difficulties to rule your thoughts and emotions.  Instead, cast all your cares on Him and allow the strength of God to
remind you of the beauty and wisdom in those who have been lost and on purpose offer comfort to those around you.  There are others around you who need a word of encouragement.

Jesus is our joy and salvation.  Spend some time looking with hope and anticipation of what God might do in you in 2013 remembering that He is more concerned with our spiritual well-being than our external circumstances.  He truly is the answer to our troubles!