Start by sharing a personal or relatable story about the excitement and anticipation leading up to a special event.
Emphasize the importance of anticipation and preparation in our lives.
Introduce the concept of Christmas as a season of both anticipation and preparation, spiritually and in our everyday lives.
I. Anticipation: The Longing for God’s Promises Scripture References:
- Isaiah 7:14 – “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
- Micah 5:2 – “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
Key Points:
- Discuss the anticipation of the Messiah’s arrival as foretold by the prophets.
- Highlight the hope and longing that the people of Israel had for the fulfillment of God’s promises.
- Connect the Old Testament prophecies to the anticipation we feel during the Christmas season.
- Emphasize that just as God’s promises were fulfilled in Jesus, we can trust in His promises for our lives today.
II. Preparation: Clearing the Path for Christ Scripture References:
- Isaiah 40:3 – “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'”
- Luke 3:4-6 – “As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: ‘A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.”
Key Points:
- Explore John the Baptist’s role in preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry.
- Discuss the idea of preparing our hearts and lives for the coming of Christ.
- Highlight the need to remove obstacles such as sin, distractions, and busyness that hinder our relationship with God.
- Encourage the congregation to reflect on areas in their lives that need preparation and alignment with God’s will.
III. Anticipation and Preparation in Our Lives Today Scripture References:
- Matthew 24:44 – “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
- 1 Peter 1:13 – “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”
Key Points:
- Explain the dual nature of anticipation and preparation in the Christian life: anticipating Christ’s second coming and preparing ourselves for it.
- Discuss the importance of living with readiness and spiritual alertness.
- Provide practical examples of how anticipation and preparation manifest in our daily lives, relationships, and spiritual practices.
- Encourage the congregation to engage in intentional acts of anticipation and preparation during the Christmas season and beyond.
Conclusion:
- Recap the significance of anticipation and preparation in the Christmas story and in our lives.
- Call the congregation to action: to embrace the anticipation of Christ’s coming and to commit to ongoing spiritual preparation.
- Offer a closing prayer, asking for God’s guidance and empowerment as we navigate the journey of anticipation and preparation in our faith.
Note: Remember to personalize the sermon with relevant anecdotes, examples, and insights to engage the congregation effectively.
