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.
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.
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