Main Thought
The people of Israel lived through centuries of waiting before the Messiah came. Many of us know what it feels like to walk through seasons of silence and delay. We might feel like we’re waiting in the dark because we can’t see if or when our breakthrough will come. Yet darkness cannot cancel a promise if it has been spoken by God. The coming of Jesus Christ proves this. Jesus came at the appointed time - but He arrived in a way that no one expected. Jesus wasn’t wrapped in royalty, but in humility. God often wraps His greatest presents in humble packages. We need to be ready and willing to receive them. Faithful waiting puts us in a position to see God move. Simeon waited faithfully; he served actively, and watched for the Messiah with expectation. Waiting can be frustrating, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow in love for God and faith in Him. Christmas reminds us that God is faithful. Faithful waiting isn’t wasted when we wait on God.
Main Passages
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”’
- Luke 2:25-32 NIV
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
- Psalms 27:14 NIV
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” - Galatians 6:9 NIV
Discussion Questions
Why do you think God sent Jesus to be born in a manger, and not in a palace? What can we learn about God’s character and His ways from this fact?
Sometimes, God makes promises. At other times, we might make a request or a wish. Our requests may or may not align with God’s promises. How can we discern the difference between God’s promises and our desires?
The Bible teaches us that waiting on God is about passionate activity, and not passive inactivity. Is there a promise from God that you’re waiting on? What are you currently doing to position yourself to receive God’s promises?