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My mom and I recently drove down to Florida to pick up my sister, my brother, and his girlfriend so they could spend Christmas with us in Ohio. On the way back, my brother eagerly asked if we could stop at what he called "THE GREATEST STORE IN THE WORLD" — Buc-ee’s. None of us had ever been there before, but my brother insisted we stop, even though it was 2 AM, to experience this marvel. Since Buc-ee’s is open 24/7, we all agreed to make the stop.

As we got closer, Drew’s excitement grew, and he enthusiastically described the types of beef jerky he planned to buy from their famed beef jerky wall. When we finally arrived, the store was… okay. It was a cool experience to say we’d visited, but it’s not something I would ever go out of my way to see again.

The Christmas story in Scripture also features people waiting with great anticipation. Joseph and Mary awaited the birth of Jesus. Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before his death. Anna, the prophetess, along with all of God’s people, eagerly anticipated the arrival of the promised Savior. The Gospel of Luke walks us through Jesus’ birth and the fulfillment of all their hopes. Despite His humble and lowly arrival, Jesus’ birth was the greatest reward for their anticipation. The Savior of the world had come!

The arrival of the Messiah radically impacted all of human history. God’s redemption plan was revealed for humanity to see. As we reflect on the story of Christ’s birth, we may not always share the same sense of anticipation since we already know how the story ends. However, the characters in this narrative teach us timeless truths through their anticipation of Christ’s birth.

Trusting God in Uncertainty
First, God can be trusted in areas where we are afraid or uncertain about how things will work out. Consider Joseph and Mary for a moment. Both had their worlds turned upside down by the angel’s revelation. Though unwed, Mary would give birth to the Messiah, and Joseph chose to continue in his commitment to marry her. The human side of us can easily recognize the struggles this might have created. In our own lives, we often face storms and uncertainties where we cannot see how God is working through the moment. Yet, just as Mary and Joseph chose to obey and trust God, we can experience the same provision and help from Him. Their trust in God allowed them to be part of bringing the Messiah into the world. Similarly, our trust in God allows us to bring glory and honor to Him.

Confidence in God’s Promises
Second, God’s promises can be held onto with certainty. Imagine Simeon’s joy upon seeing Jesus. Everything God had promised humanity, and to him personally, was fulfilled in that moment as he held Jesus in his arms. Simeon’s experience echoes the broader fulfillment of promises that Jesus’ birth brings, from Adam to Abraham. You and I can have great confidence that the promises God has made in Scripture are a firm foundation. Our faithful God always keeps His promises. The promise of salvation and the promise of eternal life are both supported by the fulfillment of prophecies about Jesus. God’s promises are not empty gestures, like a coupon book of “Free Backrubs” from kids on Christmas morning. The evidence shows they can always be trusted.

While the anticipation of Buc-ee’s fell a bit flat, the story of Jesus’ birth and the anticipation surrounding it never does. In fact, for me, it becomes more humbling and incredible every time I read it. The Christmas story isn’t just relevant for December; its truths resonate year-round. They remind us that God can always be trusted, and His promises will always be fulfilled.

Serving together,
Pastor Derek