Expectancy #1 from Emmanuel

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Last week we loaded up the car with these four cousins, filled with all sorts of expectations, as we headed for Kentucky to visit The Ark and The Creation Museum.

December posts will most likely be (ya never know where the Spirit will lead) reflections from an Advent study by Ruth Chou Simons Emmanuel.  I'm tossing in some on Sundays to try to catch up.  I accidentally sent #2 last week.

In the intro Simon states "Posture matters. Posture determines our approach and trajectory on any journey. It's the unseen rudder that directs the way we welcome any circumstance...and any season."

Ha, how many times do you think I will regurgitate that quote on a 7 1/2 hour car ride with these grands?

Her writing continues with this beautiful realization about Mary's reaction when called upon to be the mother of the Jesus. "Her heart posture readied her for a plan she didn't even fully understand; she simply trusted God, and that trust made room for all His plans to unfold in and through her."

Day 1 of the study is titled "From Expectations to Expectant".

"Our human expectations are prone to disappointment.  We get our hearts wrapped around things we think we need or circumstances we desire, and when those things (or expectations) don't satisfy as we hope, we're left deflated and sometimes even jaded, numb, or unengaged....for so many of us, the joyous expectancy of a fun-filled holiday is overshadowed by unrealistic expectations and impossible standards.  We replace expectancy with expectations."

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ.  The Israelites waiting hundreds of years for the promise to be fulfilled.  People waited with different levels of faith as we do today for the return of Jesus.  "What we believe we are waiting for in this season affects our posture...whether we are overjoyed or overwhelmed....Expectations leave us weary and discontent, believing we desire more or better...But expectancy is anticipation mingled with joy. It's believing God his who He says He is while waiting patiently for His good to be revealed, however He chooses to reveal it....Expectancy sets our sights on God's promises rather than the empty pursuit of all that cannot truly satisfy in this season."

Ruth Chou Simons

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchman what for the morning.  Psalm 130:5-6

The Song

"Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" by Meredith Andrews

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOxJFN-9_vs


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