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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