WESTERVILLE, OH (December 18, 2004) – Editor’s note: In preparation for the Christmas observance, Covenant Communications is sharing seven devotionals that originally appeared in local church newsletters and are being published here by permission. The following comes from pastor Tim Heintzelman of Faith Covenant Church.
By Tim Heintzelman
At some point during this Advent season, we will most likely sing “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.” However, for many of us, it will not be the expectedness of Jesus’ coming this year that may grab our hearts and minds.I get the sense that amidst all of our careful preparations and thoughtful planning, we do not suspect that God may have a few surprises in store for us. Doubtless, we have probably already circled a few dates on our busy calendars and have already intentioned to attend a couple of parties without realizing that God, like “Candid Camera,” will be showing up when we least expect it.
How do I know this?
A quick look at the scriptures reveals that God delights in coming to ordinary people amidst their day-to-day activities. Moses was tending sheep when he saw a burning bush. Gideon was threshing wheat when God commissioned him to free his enslaved people. Saul was looking for some donkeys that had strayed away from home when Samuel was told that this young Benjamite was to be Israel’s first king.
Elisha was plowing with 12 yoke of oxen when he received his calling to be a prophet. Amos was picking the fruit of sycamore trees when God gave him a new assignment. Mary was going about her daily life when Gabriel told her about God’s plan of salvation. The shepherds were simply looking after their flocks when the wonderful news of Jesus’ birth lit up the night sky.
God hasn’t changed. He still comes to His people bring news of hope, joy and deliverance.
Therefore, God is coming to us . . . this year . . . in the very midst of our responsibilities, work, plans and preparations. Now this is not to say that we won’t be naturally drawn to celebrating our Lord’s first coming as a baby born in Bethlehem. Nor is it to suggest that at least some of our thoughts this year will not turn towards anticipating His glorious Second Coming (truly, that event can’t come soon enough for most of us!).
Friends, I take great joy in knowing that during this season of Advent, God will be coming to us anew. And even if we are wise enough to expect His unexpectedness . . . my sense is that He is still able to surround us with His boundless capacity for wonder, peace and love.
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