Title: The Anticipated Surprise of Christmas
Text: Selected
Tracing: Preached December 20, 1992 AM at SDCC.
Topic: Christmas, the Incarnation
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A. INTRO
I am by nature an incredibly curious and impatient person. As
far back as I can remember, it has been difficult for me to see gifts
under the tree or to know they are hidden in the house and not know
what they are or be able to use them. But through the years, I have
begun to learn the value of anticipation and surprise.
Illus. - years when I knew exactly what my presents were -- no
surprise!
Illus. - years when we opened a few early -- no anticipation!
Now, on first glance, we might be inclined to say that the
elements of anticipation and surprise in Christmas stem only from the
cultural trappings of our modern celebration of Christmas. NOT SO, in
the biblical account of the incarnation there are strong elements of
both.
Consider the anticipation of a repentant nation, used to hearing
from God through the prophets, denied that contact through 400 years!
Such huge predictions had been made for the Messiah to come -- nearly
all of the prophetic books build to a climax where God will come or
send someone to set things right, described in glowing apocalyptic
terms. Oh -- they were anxious to open that promised gift!
Consider the surprise of the close followers of Jesus, still
confused until after the resurrection as they began to discover how
much more He had done than they had ever known or expected! Oh, what
a marvelous gift they had been given -- just when they were about to
be overcome with disappointment at unfulfilled expectations!
This morning I want us to consider the Anticipation and the
Surprise of the Incarnation.
B. BODY
1. The Anticipated Aspects of the Incarnation
a) He would be a Prophet
Like Moses (Dt. 18:15-18), one who would speak for God and
show the way back to Him and out of bondage. In fact, Jesus
fulfilled this fully -- but they were thinking in terms of
"bondage" to Rome instead of to sin.
That this baby would come to speak for God was eagerly
anticipated! They couldn't wait to open that package -- they
knew what it was.
b) He would be a Priest
Like Melchizedek, one who could accept offerings from men
on behalf of God and offer to men (again, on behalf of God) the
forgiveness of their sins. One who would stand between an angry
God and a rebellious nation and make peace. This was alluded to
in the very name He was to be given: Jesus, savior!
They were ready -- as show by their response to John the
Baptist -- the anticipation was high here as well.
c) He would be a King
Like David, one who would lead in the attacks against the
enemy. Who would establish and expand a mighty kingdom, but
unlike David, would reign forever!
All these things Israel saw, understood, and looked forward
to. They expected to find them under the tree and couldn't wait
to dive in!
But there were surprises there as well -- these three
already discussed didn't pan out exactly as expected, but there
were other gifts that more than made up for their
disappointments!
2. The Surprises of Christmas
a) He would be God! Is 7:14 Mt 1:22-23
Sure He was going to send somebody -- but come Himself?
Illus. - Tim Aden's reply from the President, probably
machine signed, but that's okay, still greatly valued! But what
if, instead of an automatic reply, he had recieved a personal
phone call!?! What a surprise and an honor!!!!!
Oh, the hints were there in the OT prophecies -- but they
went largely unseen! This little small package was never even
seen until late in the revelation of gifts -- but what a gift it
was!
b) He would be our Brother. Heb. 2:14-18
They didn't really expect God -- but if God did come,
surely He would resemble one out of Roman mythology or DC
comics! Something super-human in abilities, endurance,
invulnerability, etc! But how then could we count on His
compassion, understanding, and forgiveness?
Made just like us! Tired, tempted, hurt, hungry, sick?
Yes to all and more! Are you suffering, struggling? HE
UNDERSTANDS! Fully, totally!
c) He would be our Friend! John 15:12-15
He has lived among us, seen our weaknesses and our
failures. He has the "inside scoop" on us and its not a pretty
picture! Yet He declares Himself our friend! Rom 5 declares
that even when we were in rebellion, enemies to God, and
powerless to resist His punishment -- even then, He loved us and
died for us (the greatest love, Jo 15:13)
C. CONCLUSION
This friendship calls for a response: 1) He has already
demonstrated His love (friendship) for us (John 15:13), now will we
respond by becoming His friends (by obedience, Jo 15:14)? 2) If we
are already established in that relationship with Him, here is our
assignment: Love others in the same way! (Jo 15:12)!
D. COMMENTS
Prepared in 1992 by Scott L. Purcell
Minister of Stokelan Drive Christian Church
1501 Stokelan Drive
Malden, MO 63863
(314) 276-2343
Reproduce, modify, and use freely
for the glory of God and the Growth of the Kingdom!
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