Embracing Humility and Anticipation This Christmas

 

Summary

The sermon explores the themes of humility, anticipation, and the unexpected nature of God's work in the world, particularly as it relates to the Christmas story. The speaker draws attention to the biblical depiction of God's strength in bringing down the proud and lifting up the humble, likening God to an "awesome Robin Hood." The audience is encouraged to slow down during the busy holiday season, to take a Sabbath, and to reevaluate traditions, focusing on what is important to God.

The speaker also delves into the longing of the people for God's intervention, as seen in the Psalms, Isaiah, and Micah, and the desire for a new act of deliverance akin to the Exodus. The unexpected visit of angels to Joseph is highlighted, and the congregation is prompted to engage with the biblical text and reflect on the questions provided.

Advent calendars are used as a metaphor for adults to prepare for Christmas, with the speaker urging the audience to remain open to the unexpected and to embrace the wonder of Christ's incarnation and the anticipation of His second coming. The sermon series, "The Christmas We Didn't Expect," invites the congregation to approach the Christmas story with fresh eyes and hearts, considering the long period of anticipation and silence between the Old and New Testaments.

Gratitude is emphasized as the speaker praises the Lord and encourages the congregation to practice thankfulness daily. The importance of savoring the days leading up to Christmas is underscored, with a nod to the ubiquity of Christmas music and decorations.

Mary's response to the annunciation is examined, with the speaker encouraging the audience to emulate her humble surrender to God's plan. Mary's emotions and her song are discussed, revealing insights into God's character and actions. Similarly, Mary's humble acceptance of her role as the mother of Jesus, despite not fully understanding the implications, is highlighted as an example of faith.

Joseph's response to Mary's pregnancy is also explored, showcasing his righteousness, humility, and trust. The audience is asked to reflect on Gabriel's message to Mary and her reaction to it.

The importance of spending time with God is stressed, with the speaker advocating for solitude and silence as valuable practices. The symbolism of lighting Advent candles is mentioned, and the congregation is encouraged to reflect on what God may be asking them to wait for.

Finally, the speaker makes several announcements regarding church activities, including the availability of a new December calendar, a bingo night, a Christmas party, Operation Angel Tree, and Christmas Eve services. Volunteers and December birthdays are acknowledged, and the congregation celebrates with a song.

Key Takeaways:

- God's nature is to exalt the humble and bring down the proud, demonstrating His justice and care for the marginalized. This characteristic of God invites believers to adopt a posture of humility and to trust in His provision and sustenance. [01:13:58]

- The biblical longing for deliverance and God's intervention is a reminder of the human desire for justice and redemption. The unexpected ways in which God answers these longings, such as through the visitation of angels, challenge believers to remain open to God's surprising methods. [39:37]

- The anticipation of Christ's coming, both in the incarnation and the second coming, calls for a spirit of openness and wonder. The 400-year silence between the Testaments serves as a testament to the faithfulness required in waiting for God's promises to unfold. [35:54]

- Mary's response to the annunciation, characterized by joy, humility, and surrender, provides a model for believers on how to respond to God's call, even when it comes with uncertainty and potential hardship. [01:03:47]

- The practice of solitude and silence is valuable for spiritual growth, allowing believers to "waste time" with God and to listen for His voice amidst the distractions of life. This practice is especially poignant during the Advent season as a way to prepare the heart for the celebration of Jesus' birth. [01:20:09]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 64:1-2 - "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you!"
2. Psalm 96:12-13 - "Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness."
3. Luke 1:46-55 - Mary's Song (The Magnificat) - "And Mary said: 'My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 64:1-2 express about the Israelites' longing for God's intervention?
2. According to Psalm 96:12-13, how is creation depicted in response to the Lord's coming?
3. In Luke 1:46-55, what are some of the attributes of God that Mary highlights in her song?
4. How does the sermon describe the 400-year silence between the Old and New Testaments, and what impact did it have on the Israelites' anticipation? ([37:25])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the imagery of God "rending the heavens" in Isaiah 64:1-2 suggest about the intensity of the Israelites' desire for divine intervention?
2. How does Psalm 96:12-13 reflect the theme of justice and righteousness in God's judgment?
3. In what ways does Mary's song (Luke 1:46-55) reveal her understanding of God's character and His actions towards the humble and the proud?
4. How does the sermon’s portrayal of Mary and Joseph's responses to God's plans challenge contemporary believers to trust and obey God even in uncertain circumstances? ([51:02])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Isaiah 64:1-2, is there a situation in your life where you are longing for God's intervention? How can you express this longing in your prayers?
2. Psalm 96:12-13 speaks of creation rejoicing before the Lord. How can you incorporate a sense of joy and anticipation in your daily life as you await God's promises?
3. Mary's response to the annunciation was one of humble surrender (Luke 1:38). Is there an area in your life where you need to surrender to God's plan, even if it comes with uncertainty? ([01:00:28])
4. The sermon encourages practicing gratitude daily. What are three things you can thank God for at the beginning and end of each day this week? ([33:45])
5. The practice of solitude and silence is emphasized as valuable for spiritual growth. How can you create space for solitude and silence in your schedule this Advent season? ([01:20:09])
6. The sermon suggests reevaluating traditions to focus on what is important to God. Are there any holiday traditions you need to modify or let go of to better align with God's priorities? ([01:18:21])
7. Considering the theme of anticipation and waiting, what is one specific way you can cultivate patience and trust in God's timing during this Advent season? ([01:02:51])

Devotional

Day 1: Humility Ushers in Divine Exaltation
Humility is not merely a virtue; it is the gateway through which God's justice flows, lifting up the lowly and bringing down the haughty. This divine reversal is a hallmark of God's kingdom, where the last become first, and the first become last. It is a call to live with a humble heart, recognizing that true strength and elevation come from God alone. [01:13:58]

Luke 1:52-53 - "He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty."
Reflection: How can you practice humility in your interactions today, and in what ways might this open the door to God's work in your life?

Day 2: Openness to God's Unexpected Ways
The longing for deliverance is met by God in ways that often defy expectations. The biblical narrative is filled with instances where God's intervention comes in surprising forms, reminding us that His ways are not our ways. This challenges us to remain open and receptive to the unexpected avenues through which God may choose to work in our lives and in the world around us. [39:37]

Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when God worked in your life in an unexpected way? How can this memory help you stay open to His surprises today?

Day 3: Anticipating the Faithful Promise
The silence between the Testaments was a period of anticipation, teaching us the value of waiting faithfully for God's promises. The incarnation and the second coming of Christ are central to Christian hope, and this season of Advent invites us to embrace the wonder of God's timing and faithfulness. As we wait, we are called to prepare our hearts and minds for the fulfillment of His promises. [35:54]

Habakkuk 2:3 - "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."
Reflection: What promise of God are you currently waiting on, and how can you actively prepare your heart for its fulfillment?

Day 4: Emulating Mary's Surrender
Mary's response to the annunciation is a profound example of joyous surrender to God's will. Her humility and willingness to accept God's plan, despite the uncertainty and potential hardship it entailed, demonstrate a faith that believers are called to emulate. In her song, we find insights into God's character—His mercy, strength, and faithfulness to His promises. [01:03:47]

Luke 1:38 - "I am the Lord’s servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her.
Reflection: What is God asking of you that requires a humble surrender, and how can you respond with the same trust and openness as Mary did?

Day 5: Valuing Solitude with God
In a world filled with noise and distraction, the practice of solitude and silence before God is a precious discipline. It allows believers to "waste time" with God, to listen for His voice, and to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. This Advent season, the call to quiet reflection is an invitation to prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth by seeking intimacy with the Divine in the stillness. [01:20:09]

1 Kings 19:11-12 - "The LORD said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper."
Reflection: How can you incorporate moments of solitude and silence into your daily routine to better hear God's gentle whisper?

Quotes

"He's shown the strength with his arm; he scattered the proud and brought down the mighty from their thrones, yet he exalts the lowly." [01:13:58] (Download)

"What are some specific ways that you can unhurry yourself this December? Simple ways you might just be a little less hurried this year." [01:18:21] (Download)

"Let's focus on what's important to God, not your neighbors, not anybody else. What's most important to him and what you do or you don't do, you don't have to worry about what they think." [01:19:05] (Download)

"I think sometimes the Christmas story is too familiar... this year I want us to be open to some unexpected things from the Lord. I don't want us to miss the Wonder and the awe of Christ's incarnation, his coming in the flesh." [36:38] (Download)

"What if this Christmas season we were open to God doing something unexpected in your life? What if we were quiet enough to hear him when he did it?" [37:25] (Download)

"There was 400 years between the Old Testament and the New Testament... Can you imagine 400 years from hearing from God and then not hearing from God? It highlighted their anticipation of hearing from God and the Savior coming." [38:03] (Download)

"Gratitude, our thankfulness, moves God's heart. Last week I challenged you to be thankful at the beginning of your day before it gets crazy, and then at the end of your day." [33:45] (Download)

"Sitting in solitude and Silence with the Lord and in a good way wasting your time with him." [01:20:09] (Download)

"Deeply troubled, greatly troubled, perplexed, thoroughly shaken - these are the words that describe Mary's initial reaction. Yet, in her confusion, she embodies a profound trust, declaring, 'I am the Lord's servant.' Her acceptance of a future unknown is a testament to faith." [01:00:28] (Download)

"In what area of your life could your response be the same as Mary's this humble surrendered okay Lord I don't know everything I don't even know the next step but I'm going to trust that your plan is good." [01:03:47] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?