Your view of God is really the benchmark of your spiritual maturity. Understanding the nature of God is critical to spiritual maturity because in the end you rest in the reality of your God. Superficial knowledge of God, a shallow knowledge of God, a limited knowledge of God contributes to limited understanding and limited faith and limited trust.
John MacArthur

The Anticipated Surprise Of Chr

The Anticipated Surprise Of Chr Title: The Anticipated Surprise of Christmas Text: Selected Tracing: Preached December 20, 1992 AM at SDCC. Topic: Christmas, the Incarnation

  1. 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
    1. 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.

    2. 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.

    3. 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
    1. 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!

    2. 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!

    3. 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)

    4. 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)!

    5. 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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