Christmas brings a lot of expectation. The prospect of the approaching holiday builds throughout the month, from the anticipated presents, programs, parties, travel, and family, and ends with “I hope I get it all done by Christmas.”
In contrast, the first Christmas arrived unexpectedly.
The world looked for a Messiah, but not in a manger. God quietly entered history as a baby. He became Emmanuel, “God With Us” who was one of us.
Outcast shepherds, startled by the angels’ pronouncement, journeyed to the manger. They found the One who would reconcile us to God, fulfilling the hopes of prophecies and who would remove the fear of sin and death.
Rest your heart in the promise says “when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons (and daughters.)” Galatians 4:4-5
Truly, the expectations, the hopes and fears of all the years are met in Him.
May you be blessed this with daily expectation of Emmanuel.
