Active Waiting: Embracing Hope This Advent Season
Summary
In this season of Advent, we gather to reflect on the profound love and faithfulness of God, who sent Jesus from heaven to earth for our salvation. As we enter this time of expectation and hope, we are reminded of the story of Simeon and Anna in Luke 2, who waited faithfully for the Messiah. Their story parallels our own journey of hope, which often requires waiting and trusting in God's promises. Just as Simeon and Anna remained active in their faith, worshiping and working while they waited, we too are called to be active participants in our waiting, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.
Hope is more than a mere wish; it is a confident expectation rooted in the character and promises of God. Unlike the Greek philosophical concept of hope, which is subjective and often tied to personal desires, biblical hope is anchored in the certainty of God's faithfulness. This hope is not only for us to hold onto but also to share with others. Anna's response to seeing Jesus was to share the good news with everyone around her, a reminder that we are called to carry hope to the world.
As we navigate the busyness of the Christmas season, it is crucial to recenter our minds on the true meaning of Christmas. The cultural pressures of overspending and overcommitting can overshadow the joy and love of this season. By focusing on Jesus, we can rediscover the beauty of Christmas and share the greatest gift of all—Jesus—with those around us. This season, let us commit to praying for our family members who do not know the Lord and have the courage to share the hope of Christ with them.
Key Takeaways:
- Hope Requires Waiting: Simeon and Anna exemplify the active waiting that hope demands. They remained faithful and engaged in worship and service while they waited for God's promise to be fulfilled. This teaches us that waiting on God is not passive but involves active participation in His work. [39:18]
- Hope is More Than a Wish: Biblical hope is a confident expectation based on God's promises, not a mere wish for something to happen. It is rooted in the certainty of God's faithfulness and His redemptive acts through Jesus Christ. This hope sustains us through life's uncertainties. [46:39]
- Hope is a Gift to Share: Anna's response to seeing Jesus was to share the good news with others. Our encounter with Christ compels us to share the hope we have with those around us, extending the invitation of salvation to others. [49:24]
- Recenter on the True Meaning of Christmas: Amidst the busyness of the season, we must focus on Jesus, the true reason for our celebration. By doing so, we can rediscover the joy and love of Christmas and share the greatest gift—Jesus—with others. [57:09]
- Commit to Carrying Hope: This Christmas, let us pray for our family members who do not know the Lord and have the courage to share the hope of Christ with them. Our faithfulness in carrying hope can lead others to experience the transformative power of Jesus. [58:43]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[26:36] - Entering Advent with Expectation
[28:09] - Family Memories and Hope
[30:26] - The Gift of Life and Hope
[31:24] - A Story of Hope Realized
[34:19] - Focusing on Jesus
[36:57] - Simeon and Anna's Faithful Waiting
[39:18] - Hope Requires Waiting
[42:02] - Mismanaged Expectations
[43:30] - Trusting God's Timing
[46:39] - Hope is More Than a Wish
[49:24] - Hope is a Gift to Share
[50:41] - Sharing the Good News
[54:30] - Christmas Traditions and Giving
[57:09] - Recenter on the True Meaning of Christmas
[58:43] - Carrying Hope to Family
[01:00:07] - Responding to God's Call
[01:03:05] - Worship Through Giving
[01:05:41] - Calvary Family Tree
[01:11:09] - Benediction and Mission
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:22-38
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Observation Questions:
1. What actions did Simeon and Anna take while they waited for the Messiah, according to Luke 2:22-38? How does the sermon describe their faithfulness? [36:57]
2. How does the sermon differentiate between the Greek philosophical concept of hope and biblical hope? [46:39]
3. What was Anna's response upon seeing Jesus, and how does the sermon suggest we should emulate her actions? [49:24]
4. According to the sermon, what are some cultural pressures during the Christmas season that can distract us from focusing on Jesus? [57:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Simeon and Anna illustrate the concept that "hope requires waiting"? What does this teach about the nature of biblical hope? [39:18]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that biblical hope is more than just a wish? How is it rooted in the character and promises of God? [46:39]
3. How does the sermon encourage believers to share the hope of Christ with others, and what might be some challenges in doing so? [49:24]
4. What does it mean to "recenter on the true meaning of Christmas," and how can this impact one's spiritual life during the holiday season? [57:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for something important. How did you remain active in your faith during that period, similar to Simeon and Anna? [39:18]
2. The sermon emphasizes that hope is a confident expectation based on God's promises. How can you cultivate this kind of hope in your daily life, especially when facing uncertainties? [46:39]
3. Anna shared the good news of Jesus with those around her. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about the hope of Christ. What steps can you take to share this hope with them this week? [49:24]
4. During the Christmas season, what specific cultural pressures do you find most distracting from focusing on Jesus? How can you intentionally minimize these distractions? [57:09]
5. The sermon challenges us to pray for family members who do not know the Lord. Who in your family can you commit to praying for daily, and how might you share the hope of Christ with them during your next gathering? [58:43]
6. Consider the idea of "carrying hope" as presented in the sermon. What practical actions can you take to embody and share this hope in your community? [58:43]
7. How can you incorporate the true meaning of Christmas into your family traditions this year, ensuring that Jesus remains the focus? [57:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Active Waiting in Faith
In the story of Simeon and Anna, we see a profound example of active waiting. Both individuals were deeply rooted in their faith, worshiping and serving God while they awaited the fulfillment of His promise. This teaches us that waiting on God is not a passive endeavor but an active engagement in His work. As we wait for God's promises in our own lives, we are called to remain faithful and involved in our spiritual practices, trusting that God will act in His perfect timing. This active waiting is a testament to our faith and hope in God's unwavering faithfulness. [39:18]
"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively engage in your faith while waiting for God's promises to unfold in your life?
Day 2: The Certainty of Biblical Hope
Biblical hope is distinct from mere wishing; it is a confident expectation grounded in the character and promises of God. Unlike the subjective nature of hope in Greek philosophy, biblical hope is anchored in the certainty of God's faithfulness and His redemptive acts through Jesus Christ. This hope sustains us through life's uncertainties, providing a firm foundation when circumstances are unpredictable. As we embrace this hope, we are reminded that it is not just for our own comfort but also a gift to be shared with others, offering them the same assurance and peace. [46:39]
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of biblical hope in your life, and how might this understanding influence your interactions with others today?
Day 3: Sharing the Gift of Hope
Anna's response to encountering Jesus was to share the good news with everyone around her. This act of sharing is a powerful reminder that our encounter with Christ compels us to extend the hope we have received to others. We are called to be bearers of hope, sharing the message of salvation and the transformative power of Jesus with those around us. This sharing is not just a duty but a natural overflow of the joy and hope we have found in Christ, inviting others to experience the same. [49:24]
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of hope today, and how can you share it with them in a way that is both gentle and respectful?
Day 4: Rediscovering the True Meaning of Christmas
Amidst the busyness and cultural pressures of the Christmas season, it is crucial to recenter our minds on the true meaning of Christmas. By focusing on Jesus, we can rediscover the joy and love that this season represents. This focus allows us to share the greatest gift of all—Jesus—with those around us, reminding them of the true reason for our celebration. As we navigate the demands of the season, let us commit to keeping Christ at the center, allowing His presence to guide our actions and interactions. [57:09]
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to keep Jesus at the center of your Christmas celebrations this year?
Day 5: Carrying Hope to Family
This Christmas, we are encouraged to pray for our family members who do not know the Lord and to have the courage to share the hope of Christ with them. Our faithfulness in carrying hope can lead others to experience the transformative power of Jesus. As we commit to this mission, we are reminded of the impact our witness can have on those closest to us, inviting them to encounter the love and grace of God in a personal and meaningful way. [58:43]
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." (Acts 16:31, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally pray for and share the hope of Christ with a family member who does not yet know Him this Christmas season?
Quotes
He is worthy of our praise because God has come from heaven to earth. Amen. Go ahead and take your seats if you would, and I would invite you to join me in a time of prayer. Let's respond to him in his goodness, in his faithfulness, in his extravagant love that drove him from heaven to earth. And he did that for you. [00:24:53] (19 seconds)
Hope is more than a wish. Let's just be honest. Our human language is so messed up. We use words the wrong way in the wrong time, which is where slang comes from. And don't think it's all about the new generations. You and I had our words too that we would use for things. But the word hope is so misused. [00:44:24] (26 seconds)
Hope is confidence in God's power to keep his promises. Third thing we see, hope is a gift to share. Let's go back to Luke chapter 22 toward the end, excuse me, Luke chapter two, toward the end when we start to look at Anna. Here this sweet widow lady, she's 84 years old, and like Simeon, she was faithful. [00:48:58] (26 seconds)
She's acknowledging through prayer her dependency. She's acknowledging through fasting the hope and expectation for God to keep his promises, which is part of the reason why we practice fasting, that we say, hey, I'm going to neglect myself this food because I have the hope that God is going to, heal me. [00:49:37] (19 seconds)
Because when we have seen the king, we can't help but share the good news. Let's think about this concept just for a minute. I in no way want to cast shade on the people who lost. However, if you would reflect back to last Friday, just purely for a sermon illustrative purposes only. [00:50:34] (27 seconds)
Like the irony that human beings who don't know each other have the courage to speak about some connection of a stupid football game. But when we have seen and come face to face and encounter with King Jesus, our lips are shut. What is wrong here? [00:51:42] (19 seconds)
Just like Anna, we must share the good news that God has come from heaven to earth to rescue us. And this is an invitation that we can extend toward others. How beautiful is that? I think so many times we just get it all wrong. [00:53:16] (22 seconds)
And carrying hope, please let it be more than just talking about church. Have the courage and the boldness to share Jesus with them. That God sent Jesus on a rescue mission, that we have a sin problem we can't fix, and that God in his love sent Jesus who died on a cross and rose from the dead so that we can be forgiven. [00:58:43] (26 seconds)
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