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Embracing Advent's Waiting: Nearly There

An exploration of the anticipation before Christmas, drawing parallels with ancient prophecies and personal struggles. Reflect on faith, patience, and readiness for the fulfillment of God's promises.

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Embracing Advent's Waiting: Nearly There

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  1. NEARLY THERE LUKE 1:5 – 25, 57 - 80

  2. NEARLY THERE • Advent is a time of waiting expectantly • Counting down to Christmas • Sometimes it seems it will never actually arrive

  3. NEARLY THERE • God’s promise of a messiah had been long awaited by the Jewish people – King David lived 1000 years earlier, Isaiah 700 years, Malachi 400 years • And still they waited • Some were expectant (think of Simeon and Anna in Luke 2) • For some it probably seemed like some mythical legend (think King Arthur)

  4. NEARLY THERE • Zachariah’s personal waiting times • To become a father – but his wife was barren • For his prayers to be answered • To be chosen to serve in the Temple to burn incense – passed over year after year • One day he was finally chosen for the task

  5. NEARLY THERE • Zachariah’s encounter with the angel Gabriel • His fearful response and the angel’s reassurance • His prayers will be answered – Elizabeth would bear a child • Not just any child but the one promised who would prepare the way for the Messiah • Zachariah is full of doubt and so is struck dumb (20)

  6. NEARLY THERE • The people awaiting him could tell that something remarkable had happened to him but he was unable to tell them • Elizabeth conceived but kept it hidden for five months – was she afraid of disappointment?

  7. NEARLY THERE • Elizabeth gives birth to a boy (57) • Her neighbours rejoiced with her • The day comes for the boy to be circumcised and named • Zachariah has still not said a word • Most people expected the child to be named after his father but Elizabeth insists on John • Zachariah confirms this and finally his speech is restored

  8. NEARLY THERE • Zachariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied • God’s promises are being fulfilled • Salvation is on its way from God • The child will be the prophet of the Highest and prepare the way for the Messiah (76) • The dreams of the devout Jewish people are about to come true

  9. NeArLy THERE CONCLUSION • What are we waiting for? • What promise has God not yet fulfilled? • Would we believe it if the answer came in an unexpected way? • Are we waiting for Jesus’ Second Coming? • Do we have a sense that we are nearly there? • If so, how should we prepare so that we will be ready for His Return?

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