ADVENT - A Hopeful Anticipation

It's been a little more than 2,000 years since Jesus Christ left the majesty and glory of heaven and came to the earth that He created, but the wonder of that event still amazes me.

A couple of weeks ago, I read a book called "Two From Galilee" by Marjorie Holmes, a fictionalized accounting of what it may have been like for Mary and Joseph that first Christmas in Judea. The book gave me much food for thought, and I've found myself pondering the circumstances surrounding this event in these days leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

What emotions would Mary and Joseph have felt? Exhilaration, fear, joy, hope, curiosity (what would this child be like - the Son of God?), wonder, incredulity...just to mention a few.

It was interesting to consider how the people of the community around them would have responded...they knew that the prophecy declared that the Messiah would be born of a virgin, but because of the sheer impossibility (apart from God's power) of a virgin conceiving a child, there would probably have been some who immediately dismissed Mary's claim, even though God had said this is how it would take place.

But there must have been also a weighty sense of anticipation and hope! And although Jesus Christ has already completed His work on the earth and is seated at God's right hand in heaven until the Second Coming, as we approach the celebration of this marvelous and life-changing event, we also should be waiting in hopeful anticipation.

• Hopefully anticipating the joy we will share in celebrating with family and friends.
• Hopefully anticipating what God will do in people's hearts as we proclaim His truth this season.
• Hopefully anticipating how this Christmas will touch our hearts again with the love of God.
• Hopefully anticipating the day when we will see Him face to face because of what He chose to do for us at that first Christmas.

This attitude of hopeful anticipation is expressed in Isaiah 9:2-7 (and other Scriptures also), a prophecy that was written long, long before the time when God would enter the realm of humanity...

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.
"For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
"Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."