Christmas Expectations

​Expectations matter.
 
There is a principle in life that simply says you get what you expect.
 
As Christmas approaches, what are your expectations of this holy day?
 
Did you know that loneliness, depression and boredom sharply increase during the holiday season? Have you ever wondered why? A major reason is because of  expectations. Unfortunately, many people are disappointed at Christmas because of misplaced, unrealistic, unrealized expectations.
 
Expectations based primarily on people and material things may be exciting, but they are seldom fulfilling. If we are honest, material things can be pretty shallow. Stuff, no matter if it is the latest trending fad, hottest fashion statement or the most recently upgraded techy device, has short shelf lives. Toys, including big boy toys, are not the source of joy! And not all of our relationships will be like the heart-warming fantasies played out in romance novels, big screen holiday blockbusters, and Hallmark movie specials. Sorry folks, the Lifetime channel is not real life! 
 
The “perfect” gift, the right relationship, childhood memories or holiday traditions can warm our heart. But none of these things in themselves can meet our greatest need….salvation.  
           
The Bible does you and me a favor in directing us as what to expect at Christmas. The true story of three wise men seeking the world’s Savior helps us focus on what really matters on December 25th.
 
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:1-2
 
The magi (wise men) from the east expected (hoped with anticipation) to find someone very special. Reverencing, worshipping and adoring God’s Son born in Bethlehem was the magi’s agenda that first Christmas. Full of faith and excited anticipation, they journeyed for years, personally financing their trip, bearing gifts in honor of the world’s newborn Savior Jesus Christ.
 
“And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-11
 
Imagine the seemingly surreal, yet very real scene. Overwhelmed emotionally with exceeding joy, the worldly wise magi fell down and worshipped a child…..The Child.
 
Humbling themselves before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who was wrapped in swaddling clothes in an animal feeding trough, their deepest expectation was more than met. They personally witnessed an out of this world miracle. A supernatural, divine encounter. The magi saw the Son of God, the world’s Savior.     
 
The magi’s lives were forever changed. The world they lived in changed forever. Rejoicing, not depression, filled the hearts of the wise men who worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ. Why? Their expectation was in the right place. 
 
Christmas 2019. I wonder what will happen in our lives this Christmas. And our world.  
 
The pages of the calendar are flipping forward. Christmas day is fast approaching. Expectations are running high. How about your expectations? Is your heart in the right place? Are you seeking real joy? Genuine joy that only God can give? The joy of the Lord that lasts for time and eternity?  
 
Maybe our expectation this Christmas should be like that of the Greek men recorded in John 12:20-21.
 
 “Now there were certain Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; these therefore came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him saying, Sir, we wish to see Jesus?”
 
How about you and your family? Do you wish to see Jesus this Christmas? In a fresh way? Maybe for the very first time?
 
I remember with fondness the bumper sticker my father-in-law, who is now worshipping Jesus in heaven, had on his old 1960’s Ford. It read “Wise men still seek Him.” Great advice for all of us at Christmas 2019.
 
Seeking to worship Jesus as Savior and Lord is an expectation that all of us can have. Celebrating the birth of Christ will fill our hearts with joy like nothing else ever will. 
 
Be wise like the magi. Seek the Lord with all your heart.  Focus your hope, faith and expectation on worshipping Jesus. Then expect God to bless you in a wonderful way!
 
May you and your loved ones have a very blessed and Merry Christmas!  
 
“And the angel said to them, “ Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”                                            Luke 2:10-11
 
A Word For Your Week: Worship the Christ Child this Christmas.