Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent, the Christian season of preparation for Christmas. We will look at some of the traditional themes of the season for the next four weeks. This week: Anticipation, Expectation, and Waiting.
Today’s scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Julie Walsh):
Two weeks ago — just after Halloween — my mood was especially bright and cheery as I was shopping in the grocery store. I was humming along to the music that was wafting through the overhead speakers as I practically danced down the frozen vegetable aisle. I carried on like this for at least two full minutes before I realized what I was humming:
Feliz Navidad,
Feliz Navidad,
Feliz Navidad,
Prospero año y felicidad.
We know, as Americans, that Christmas comes early in the retail market and that the familiar carols and songs can often be heard before we even partake of turkey, stuffing, and a big slice of pumpkin pie. Most people seem expectant, but not ready to think about Christmas just yet, so I was surprised when I caught myself joyfully humming along without first noticing the Christmas tune!
I have to wonder if that’s how many in Bible times felt. There was great expectation for the Messiah. Ancestors continued to pass down the stories about the messiahs of old — Moses, Elijah, King David — and were ready for a new messiah who would bring them power and free them from the oppressive hands of the Roman rulers. “Christmas” was expected to come at some point in time, but they seemed to be just humming along before anyone realized the Messiah was among them. They had been expectant, but held different expectations.
It’s easy for us to do the same. When we are expectant for a job offer, a partner, a child, acceptance from our family, or anything else, we place expectations upon the circumstance — how it will look, how we will feel, and how people will respond. But I think Jesus demonstrated just the opposite from birth and throughout his entire ministry. He constantly shattered the expectations people set upon him or had established for themselves. He called into question traditional teaching and thinking. He offered healing and grace where it had previously been denied, and rebuke and rage where tradition was the standard. Even his death and resurrection — so central to our faith now — were unexpected.
We are, by nature, an expectant people, and we set expectations for most things in our lives. Next time you feel disappointed or discouraged that someone or something has not met your expectations, pause and remember the full story of Jesus. His birth, his ministry, his death, and his resurrection. Jesus teaches us to be cautious about the investment we make in our personal expectations and to be ready to accept what he has to offer.
Thought for the day: Examine the areas of your life where you feel expectant, and carefully reflect on the expectations you have established. Considering the story of Jesus, how might you now respond differently if your expectations are broken?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.