Aligning Expectations with the Truth of Christ
The King Has Come: Embracing the Unexpected
Good morning, dear friends! As we gather together this morning, I am filled with joy and gratitude. Joy, not just because the lights are on and we are able to worship together, but because we have this sacred space to pause, reflect, and give back to the Lord. It’s a blessing to be here with you all, sharing in this journey of faith.
Today, I want to talk about expectations and recollections, especially as we approach this beautiful season of Advent. Our series is titled "The King Has Come," and it’s a reminder that Jesus came into our world in a way that was unexpected, challenging our preconceived notions of what a king should be. [35:29]
As we light the joy candle and sing songs about joy, I can’t help but reflect on how our lives are shaped by what we expect and what we remember. This time of year is filled with memories, traditions, and yes, expectations. But often, our experiences and recollections can be skewed. Just like the humorous video we watched, our memories of Christmas can sometimes be a bit off. [40:07]
Take, for instance, John the Baptist. He was a powerful figure, a voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Messiah. He had a clear expectation of what the Messiah would do—overthrowing governments and establishing a new kingdom. But when Jesus came, it wasn’t what John expected. He found himself in prison, questioning if Jesus was truly the one he had been waiting for. [49:03]
This moment of doubt is something we can all relate to. Have you ever found yourself asking, “God, are you really the one? Are you really the answer?” It’s okay to have those moments. Even John the Baptist, who witnessed the heavens open and heard the voice of God, had his doubts. [50:25]
Jesus’ response to John was profound. He pointed to the miracles he was performing—the blind seeing, the lame walking, the good news being preached to the poor. He reassured John that he was indeed the Messiah, but in a way that challenged the expectations of the time. [51:09]
As we reflect on this, let’s consider what expectations we place on Jesus. Are we looking for him to meet our needs in a specific way? Are we missing him because he doesn’t fit into our preconceived notions? The King has come, but he may not come in the way we expect. [59:27]
As we prepare for communion today, I invite you to take a moment of quiet reflection. Ask Jesus what expectations you are placing on him. How can your recollections of his faithfulness shape your understanding of his presence in your life today? [01:00:29]
Remember, Jesus came to redefine our understanding of love, humility, and sacrifice. He calls us to live in a way that prioritizes these values, even when our circumstances don’t align with our expectations. The King has come for you, and he invites you to see him in the unexpected. [56:28]
As we partake in the Lord’s Supper, let’s remember the sacrifice he made for us. Let’s embrace the truth that the King has come, and he is here with us, guiding us through the unexpected twists and turns of life. May we overflow with hope, joy, and peace as we walk this journey together. [01:08:34]
Blessings to you all this week, and I look forward to seeing you back here next Sunday. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our Christmas Eve service—it’s going to be a special time of celebration! Amen.
Good morning, dear friends! As we gather together this morning, I am filled with joy and gratitude. Joy, not just because the lights are on and we are able to worship together, but because we have this sacred space to pause, reflect, and give back to the Lord. It’s a blessing to be here with you all, sharing in this journey of faith.
Today, I want to talk about expectations and recollections, especially as we approach this beautiful season of Advent. Our series is titled "The King Has Come," and it’s a reminder that Jesus came into our world in a way that was unexpected, challenging our preconceived notions of what a king should be. [35:29]
As we light the joy candle and sing songs about joy, I can’t help but reflect on how our lives are shaped by what we expect and what we remember. This time of year is filled with memories, traditions, and yes, expectations. But often, our experiences and recollections can be skewed. Just like the humorous video we watched, our memories of Christmas can sometimes be a bit off. [40:07]
Take, for instance, John the Baptist. He was a powerful figure, a voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Messiah. He had a clear expectation of what the Messiah would do—overthrowing governments and establishing a new kingdom. But when Jesus came, it wasn’t what John expected. He found himself in prison, questioning if Jesus was truly the one he had been waiting for. [49:03]
This moment of doubt is something we can all relate to. Have you ever found yourself asking, “God, are you really the one? Are you really the answer?” It’s okay to have those moments. Even John the Baptist, who witnessed the heavens open and heard the voice of God, had his doubts. [50:25]
Jesus’ response to John was profound. He pointed to the miracles he was performing—the blind seeing, the lame walking, the good news being preached to the poor. He reassured John that he was indeed the Messiah, but in a way that challenged the expectations of the time. [51:09]
As we reflect on this, let’s consider what expectations we place on Jesus. Are we looking for him to meet our needs in a specific way? Are we missing him because he doesn’t fit into our preconceived notions? The King has come, but he may not come in the way we expect. [59:27]
As we prepare for communion today, I invite you to take a moment of quiet reflection. Ask Jesus what expectations you are placing on him. How can your recollections of his faithfulness shape your understanding of his presence in your life today? [01:00:29]
Remember, Jesus came to redefine our understanding of love, humility, and sacrifice. He calls us to live in a way that prioritizes these values, even when our circumstances don’t align with our expectations. The King has come for you, and he invites you to see him in the unexpected. [56:28]
As we partake in the Lord’s Supper, let’s remember the sacrifice he made for us. Let’s embrace the truth that the King has come, and he is here with us, guiding us through the unexpected twists and turns of life. May we overflow with hope, joy, and peace as we walk this journey together. [01:08:34]
Blessings to you all this week, and I look forward to seeing you back here next Sunday. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our Christmas Eve service—it’s going to be a special time of celebration! Amen.
Posted in Sermon Blog
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