December 27, 2008

Continuing Expectation

Luke 2:25-33

He was waiting for the consolation of Israel …
Luke 2:25

— 

Some people woke up this morning wondering if this would be the day their child is born. They’ve been waiting for almost nine months, and the baby’s time is near.

Some people woke up this morning wondering if today they might be killed by a sniper or an explosion. Perhaps they’ve had many close calls during their tour of duty overseas, and they wonder how many more times they will escape with their lives intact.

Simeon woke up every day with a promise from God that someday he would see the Lord’s anointed.

Imagine waking with that expectant hope every morning, but then going to bed every night a little disappointed—for weeks, months, and possibly years.

One day, though, the Holy Spirit told Simeon that the long wait was over—for him and for the world! So Simeon went to the temple courts, eyes wide open for a glimpse of the Messiah! No wonder he praised God when he saw the baby!

What thoughts did you have as you awoke this morning? Did you remember that we are all waiting as well? We wait for the second coming of Christ. We’ve been anticipating that throughout Advent, in fact, and right through Christmas—for years and years.

Waiting can be hard. But it’s some of the best work we’ll ever be called to do.

We don’t always like waiting for things, O God. Please give us strength, vision, patience, and expectation. We want to praise you like Simeon did! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

About the author — David Den Haan

Pastor Dave Den Haan has served at Fairway Christian Reformed Church in Jenison, Michigan, since 1999. Previously he served a church in Minnesota. Dave and his wife, Connie, have three children.

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