Expectation
Scripture Reading — Matthew 18:1-5
"Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3
Jesus loved children and often gathered them around him, holding them up as examples who have deep, trusting faith in God. One way to cultivate a childlike, spirit is to allow ourselves to be filled with expectation as Christmas approaches.
Children are often filled with expectation as Christmas draws near--but (let's be honest) their expectations are often centered on gifts they're hoping to receive.
Though our expectation shouldn't focus mainly on gifts we may receive or even on the festivities we enjoy, we can surely look forward to celebrating the greatest gift of all: God's Son. We can also look forward to the day when Christ comes again--the day that will far exceed all of our wildest expectations.
As Christmas approaches, let's prepare our hearts to receive Christ. Let's remember our childhood sense of expectation and excitement leading up to Christmas. Together, let's reclaim that sense of expectation as we, with childlike faith and joy, prepare to celebrate the gift God has given us.
The Savior of the world has come! He has also died and risen again, and he now rules in heaven, filling us with his Spirit to live faithfully till he comes again. What a celebration we'll have with Jesus on that day!
Dear Lord, as we look forward to celebrating your gift to us, fill our hearts with childlike faith as we also look to the second coming of Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Joel Sheeres
Rev. Joel Sheeres is the pastor at First Christian Reformed Church in Crown Point, Indiana. He and his wife, Christine, have three children. Pastor Sheeres has previously served at Faith Christian Reformed Church in Elmhurst, Illinois.
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