Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/420759
December 24 Luke 1:57–58 Fai ful Anticipation Jennay Smith Current Student, MA Theology F or several summer vacations while I was growing up, my family of five and our faithful springer spaniel would pile into our van for a cross-country drive. Before launching on these adventures, my dad prioritized planning our trip. We would circle up in the living room and brainstorm all the museums, battlefields, and national parks we wanted to see. "A lot of the fun of the trip," my dad would say, "is in the anticipation." He was right—the destination was more meaningful when we had time to look forward to it. Luke's gospel opens with God promising Elizabeth and Zechariah a son. After years of despair caused by infertility, this elderly couple was told to expect a child. While I'm sure fear and doubt lurked in their minds—would Elizabeth, at this age, be able to carry a baby to full term?—each day without any pregnancy complications was cause for even more joyful anticipation. When she became pregnant, Elizabeth proclaimed, "e Lord has done this for me.… He has shown His favor and taken away my disgrace" (Luke 1:25). Elizabeth, trusting in God's promise, knew she would have a baby. e nine months of waiting provided space to dwell in the reality of God's provision and goodness. "When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy" (Luke 1:57–58). e months of preparation had deepened her joy when the baby arrived. is joy also reflected Elizabeth's trust that God would be true to His promise. Anticipation, then, is an expression of faith. We know the end of the Christmas story. Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph. Shepherds celebrated Him, and Magi honored Him. God became flesh and dwelt among humanity, ultimately bringing redemption for all people. Yet, knowing the end of this story should not stifle our anticipation or joy. Rather, it should yield deeper joy as we watch and wait for the ways God will provide. Jesus Christ promised to come again, and as with the Christmas story, we know how our story will end. Anticipation is an invitation to trust in God and to rest in the assurance that He will fulfill His promises. Let's dwell in the reality of God's goodness by looking forward to Jesus' coming. 19