The Gift of Anticipation: Embracing God's Promises
Summary
In this series, "The Three Gifts of Christmas," we explore gifts that transcend the traditional and modern-day presents we often associate with the holiday season. These gifts are not tangible items like gold, frankincense, myrrh, or even puppies, socks, and gift cards. Instead, they are profound gifts that the Christmas season offers us every year, often unnoticed if we aren't paying attention. The first gift we delve into is the gift of anticipation.
Anticipation is a unique gift that involves waiting with expectation, knowing that something good is on the horizon. It is not merely about hoping for something uncertain but having confidence in the goodness that is to come. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the Advent season, which is a time of preparing and waiting for the coming of Jesus. Advent reminds us that God has already given us the greatest gift in Jesus and that He will come again to set everything right.
The story of James, the brother of Jesus, serves as a powerful testament to the belief that every good and perfect gift comes from God. Despite the darkness and challenges in the world, James was convinced of the goodness of God and His gifts. This conviction invites us to trust in God's timing and His ability to give us what we truly need, even when it doesn't align with our immediate desires or expectations.
The history of humanity's attempt to control and define what is good has often led to brokenness. Yet, God, in His patience and grace, continues to work towards restoring the world to its original goodness. This process requires us to embrace the gift of anticipation, trusting that God is orchestrating everything for our good, even when we cannot see it.
As we navigate the uncertainties and imperfections of life, we are encouraged to wait expectantly, knowing that God is a good gift giver. The anticipation of His goodness allows us to learn more about ourselves, understand God's work in our lives, and deepen our trust in Him. This Christmas season, let us recognize and be grateful for the gift of anticipation, confident that God is up to something good in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Gift of Anticipation: Anticipation is not just about waiting; it's about expecting something good from God. It involves trusting that God is working for our good, even when we can't see it. This expectation is rooted in the belief that God is a good gift giver who knows exactly what we need and when we need it. [19:48]
2. God's Patience as a Gift: God's timing is perfect, and His patience is an act of grace. He is not slow in fulfilling His promises but is patient, allowing time for as many people as possible to come to Him. This patience is a gift, inviting us to trust in His plan and timing. [17:41]
3. The Role of Mystery in Anticipation: The gift of anticipation includes an element of mystery. We may not know what the future holds, but we can trust that God knows what we need better than we do. This mystery invites us to rely on God's wisdom and goodness. [31:56]
4. Learning Through Waiting: Anticipation gives us the opportunity to learn more about ourselves, God's work in our lives, and who God is. It teaches us to trust in God's provision and timing, even when the gifts we receive are not what we expected. [27:59]
5. Expectancy in the Christmas Season: The Advent season is a time of expectancy, reminding us of the greatest gift of all—Jesus. It encourages us to look forward to His return and the restoration of all things, knowing that God is working all things for good. [35:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:23] - The Art of Gift Giving
- [06:21] - Recognizing Good Gifts
- [07:40] - Questioning God's Gifts
- [08:33] - Exploring James' Perspective
- [09:46] - Every Good Gift from Above
- [10:26] - James' Conviction
- [11:45] - God's Creation and Goodness
- [13:15] - Humanity's Attempt to Control
- [15:20] - God's Plan for Restoration
- [15:59] - The Reason for God's Patience
- [18:21] - Our Struggle with Patience
- [19:48] - The Gift of Anticipation
- [21:39] - Expectation vs. Hope
- [23:39] - Anticipation with Expectation
- [26:38] - Childhood Christmas Anticipation
- [27:20] - God's Timing and Good Gifts
- [28:42] - Learning Through Anticipation
- [29:31] - The Watchmen's Expectation
- [30:59] - The Mystery of Anticipation
- [31:56] - Simeon and Anna's Waiting
- [33:17] - Unexpected Gifts
- [33:55] - Worshiping the Gift Giver
- [35:18] - Expectancy in the Christmas Season
- [36:17] - Embracing Anticipation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Gift of Anticipation
Bible Reading:
1. James 1:17 - "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
2. 2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
3. Psalm 130:5-6 - "I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning."
Observation Questions:
1. According to James 1:17, what is the source of every good and perfect gift? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about God being a good gift giver? [09:46]
2. In 2 Peter 3:9, what reason is given for God's patience? How does this patience serve as a gift to us? [17:41]
3. How does the psalmist in Psalm 130 describe his waiting for the Lord? What imagery is used to convey the depth of his anticipation? [28:42]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the concept of anticipation as a gift during the Advent season? [19:48]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the belief that "every good and perfect gift is from above" challenge or affirm personal experiences of receiving gifts from God? [09:46]
2. What might it mean for someone to view God's patience as an act of grace, especially in the context of waiting for His promises to be fulfilled? [17:41]
3. How can the metaphor of watchmen waiting for the morning in Psalm 130 help believers understand the nature of anticipation in their spiritual lives? [28:42]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that anticipation can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of God's work in our lives? [27:59]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for something you were certain would happen. How did that experience shape your understanding of anticipation as a gift? [21:39]
2. How can you cultivate a sense of expectancy in your daily life, especially during the Advent season, to recognize God's good gifts? [35:18]
3. Consider an area in your life where you struggle with patience. How might viewing God's timing as perfect change your perspective on this situation? [15:59]
4. Identify a current challenge or uncertainty in your life. How can you apply the concept of anticipation with expectation to this situation, trusting that God is orchestrating everything for your good? [23:39]
5. How can you use the Advent season as an opportunity to deepen your trust in God's provision and timing, even when the gifts you receive are not what you expected? [27:59]
6. Think of a person in your life who might benefit from understanding anticipation as a gift. How can you share this perspective with them in a meaningful way? [36:17]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to embrace the mystery of God's gifts, trusting that He knows what you need better than you do? [30:59]
Devotional
Day 1: The Gift of Anticipation: Expecting God's Goodness
Anticipation is a profound gift that involves waiting with a confident expectation of God's goodness. It is not merely about hoping for something uncertain but trusting that God is orchestrating everything for our good, even when we cannot see it. This expectation is rooted in the belief that God is a good gift giver who knows exactly what we need and when we need it. The Advent season beautifully illustrates this concept, as it is a time of preparing and waiting for the coming of Jesus. It reminds us that God has already given us the greatest gift in Jesus and that He will come again to set everything right. As we embrace the gift of anticipation, we are invited to trust in God's timing and His ability to give us what we truly need, even when it doesn't align with our immediate desires or expectations. [19:48]
Isaiah 30:18 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust in God's timing? How can you begin to cultivate a sense of anticipation for His goodness in that area today?
Day 2: God's Patience as a Gift: Trusting His Perfect Timing
God's timing is perfect, and His patience is an act of grace. He is not slow in fulfilling His promises but is patient, allowing time for as many people as possible to come to Him. This patience is a gift, inviting us to trust in His plan and timing. In a world where we often struggle with impatience and the desire for immediate results, God's patience teaches us to wait expectantly, knowing that He is working all things for our good. As we navigate the uncertainties and imperfections of life, we are encouraged to trust in God's timing and His ability to give us what we truly need, even when it doesn't align with our immediate desires or expectations. [17:41]
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice patience in your daily life, trusting that God's timing is perfect? How can you remind yourself of His patience as a gift?
Day 3: The Role of Mystery in Anticipation: Embracing the Unknown
The gift of anticipation includes an element of mystery. We may not know what the future holds, but we can trust that God knows what we need better than we do. This mystery invites us to rely on God's wisdom and goodness, even when we cannot see the full picture. As we embrace the unknown, we are reminded that God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. This trust in God's wisdom allows us to navigate the uncertainties of life with confidence, knowing that He is working all things for our good. [31:56]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: How can you embrace the mystery of God's plan in your life today? What steps can you take to trust in His wisdom and goodness, even when the future is uncertain?
Day 4: Learning Through Waiting: Discovering God's Work in Our Lives
Anticipation gives us the opportunity to learn more about ourselves, God's work in our lives, and who God is. It teaches us to trust in God's provision and timing, even when the gifts we receive are not what we expected. As we wait expectantly, we are invited to reflect on God's faithfulness and His ability to work all things for our good. This process of waiting allows us to deepen our trust in God and discover more about His character and His work in our lives. [27:59]
Lamentations 3:25-26 (ESV): "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Reflection: What is one lesson you have learned about God's character through a season of waiting? How can you apply this lesson to your current circumstances?
Day 5: Expectancy in the Christmas Season: Looking Forward to Restoration
The Advent season is a time of expectancy, reminding us of the greatest gift of all—Jesus. It encourages us to look forward to His return and the restoration of all things, knowing that God is working all things for good. As we celebrate the Christmas season, we are invited to embrace the gift of anticipation, confident that God is up to something good in our lives. This expectancy allows us to reflect on the hope and joy that Jesus brings, and to look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises. [35:18]
Revelation 21:4-5 (ESV): "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'"
Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of expectancy for God's work in your life this Christmas season? What steps can you take to prepare your heart for the restoration that Jesus promises?
Quotes
"The reason that God does not just fix the world is because he loves you too much to just fix it. There's a reason. In fact, Peter, one of Jesus's closest friends, one of his followers, his disciples, the guy who was responsible for launching the church along with Jesus's other friends and disciples, Peter says in one of his letters that he wrote, he said, God is not slow. He's not slow. In other words, he's not incapable." [00:16:42] (37 seconds)
"God is being patient so that he can gather as many people as possible. And here's the problem. We human beings, we don't really have much patience for that. We want an immediate fix for all the things that are not right in our world. But the problem with our, like the immediate fix that you and I see is that we don't have much patience for that." [00:17:57] (36 seconds)
"We struggle at giving good gifts. We struggle knowing what is a good gift. We struggle with knowing what's the right gift. We struggle with knowing how much is too much when it comes to gifts. We struggle with knowing how much is too little when it comes to giving gifts. But God is a good gift giver who knows exactly what you need and exactly what I need and exactly when we need it." [00:18:51] (24 seconds)
"Advent is officially starting today, by the way. The Advent season starts the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and it's the four Sundays and the weekdays leading up to Christmas day. And so today is the official launch of the Advent season. You've probably heard the term before, even if you're not completely familiar with what it means, it's the Advent season literally means a season of anticipating the coming of Jesus." [00:19:40] (28 seconds)
"God does not leave us in the world of waiting and hoping and maybes and mights. he doesn't leave us there. He loves us too much. He sent Jesus into this world and he saved us from our sin. And now we are waiting for something that we know is going to happen. We have anticipation with anticipation with expectation." [00:23:31] (31 seconds)
"Anticipation, it gives us time to do a couple of things. To first of all, learn more about ourselves. To learn more about what God is doing in our lives. And to learn more about who God is. The gift of anticipation at this time of year, it's a good reminder for us that, you know, it's a chance for us to learn to trust God more." [00:28:05] (22 seconds)
"Now, the cool thing about the gift of anticipation is it actually comes in two parts. It comes with the gift of expectation. It also comes with something else. I realize that this may not actually feel like a gift to you, but it also comes in the form of mystery. We know just like on Christmas morning here in a few weeks, we know we're gonna open some, some gifts. We just don't know what they're gonna be." [00:31:08] (20 seconds)
"Do you think that this Christmas season, you could look at those things through the lens of expectancy? Going, okay, there's a God that knows what's going on. There is help that is coming. There's help that's on the way because God is working for the good of those who love him. Can we look at that list and go, I believe that I can wait and I can look at that list with expectancy because my God is a good gift giver and the gift is on the way." [00:35:09] (28 seconds)
"Anticipation. The first gift of Christmas, anticipation is the expectation that God is up to something good coupled with the excitement and the mystery of just how and just when that goodness will come. You're invited over the next few weeks to recognize that God is up to something good in your world." [00:37:01] (23 seconds)
"Help us to wait, not as people that don't have hope, but as people that have all the hope in the world because of the fact that you've already come and that you've already promised what's going to come next." [00:38:36] (10 seconds)
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