This time of year overflows with expectancy.
Yes, we’re all counting down the days until Christmas morning, when we’re with friends and family. When we can finally dig into our stockings and tear into the brightly wrapped presents. Sit back and savor the sound of laughter and the presence of our loved ones.
But if we push past the expectancy of today — the hopes and dreams of this year — we’ll find that expectancy is the very nature of Christmas. What are the lyrics of the Christmas hymn? ” … the hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.” (O Little Town of Bethlehem)
Yes, it’s true that sometimes are expectations can trip us up. That sometimes we are disappointed. Think about that first Christmas: do you think Mary and Joseph struggled with some dashed expectations? God told Mary she would give birth to His Son. Do you think she ever imagined that birth would take place in a dirty stable crowded with livestock?
And yet, even though the birth of Jesus didn’t happen the way his parents expected — even though the prophesied birth of the Savior didn’t happen the way the nation of Israel expected — the miracle still happened.
Yes, sometimes our expectations have to be adjusted, but expectations are truly the atmosphere for miracles. Our long-awaited answer to prayer may not look like what we prayed for, but God heard. God answered. And isn’t the truth that our God hears our prayers and answers our prayers a miracle in and of itself?
In Your Words: How do you create an expectant heart, one ready for miracles?
[ctt template=”8″ link=”2axG6″ via=”yes” ]In Others’ Words: Expecting a Miracle http://ctt.ec/2axG6+ #InOthersWords #quotes #Christmas @bethvogt[/ctt] [ctt template=”8″ link=”4i2qb” via=”yes” ]”Expectancy is the atmosphere for miracles.” http://ctt.ec/4i2qb+ #quote #miracles #Christmas @bethvogt[/ctt]
***
Here’s a chance to add a little “merry” to your Christmas! Enter the 12 Authors of Christmas Giveaway for a chance to win a bundle of books and a Visa Cash Card! The runner up wins a $70 Visa Cash Card! Click on the graphic to enter or click here.
[ctt template=”8″ link=”v6i85″ via=”no” ]Enter the 12 Authors of Christmas #Giveaway Dec 5-9! Win a #chrisfic book bundle and a #Visa cash card. http://ctt.ec/v6i85+[/ctt]
Comments 8
Great post, Beth. Very well-said!
I don’t have a choice but to keep an expectant heart, because the hope for a miracle is the only hope I have.
Author
Andrew:
I know every day for you is lived with an expectant heart … and I know every day is a miracle.
Thanking God for you today.
Expectations is a big word for me now and in this coming year. I totally believe it is the necessary atmosphere for us to look to God that enables Him to order and perform great things. Just like the Lord couldn’t initially do much in Nazareth because they defined Him as the carpenter’s son, He constantly reveals Himself as the God who is unendingly so much more!
Author
Dee:
So well said, my friend. Yes, there were those who limited Jesus to “less than” when He was so much more — but He couldn’t be held back. He had a miraculous destiny to fulfill.
Expectation is my word for next year. So agree that sometimes reality isn’t always what we expect, but it can be much better.
Author
Pat:
I love how you chose the word “expectation” for your One Word for 2017. May miracles abound for you!
Great post, Beth! The part that struck me most was the fact that the expectations weren’t met but the miracle still happened. I love how God works in that way.
Creating an expectant heart comes through a few things. Believing God is good, no matter what circumstances seem to indicate. Times of stillness before Him, and asking Him to meet me there . . . and believing He will. Keeping my eyes wide open during the days to see glimpses of His presence in my life.
Author
Believing … Asking … Watching … yes, Jeanne, all three of these things create an expectant heart.