READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Expectations can shape so much of our lives. It influences how we approach our relationships, jobs, holidays and faith. When our expectations are unmet, it can leave us feeling disappointed, frustrated and even doubting God. Disappointed expectations are part of being human. It can leave us feeling weary and disheartened. Waiting, especially when God seems silent, can be one of the hardest things we are called to do. However, no season of our lives is wasted when God is at the helm. Waiting is God’s way of aligning everything according to His goodwill and timing. Advent reminds us that while our earthly expectations may disappoint, God never fails. Even when things seem uncertain, God is at work behind the scenes fulfilling His promises in ways that exceed our greatest hopes.
- Faith Drives Action
• Living with great expectation compel us to act. Mary did not wait passively after she heard the announcement that she would bear the Messiah; she stepped out in obedience, trusting in God’s promises before seeing them fulfilled. Our faith must move us in obedience to act.
• Mary’s journey was also about finding encouragement in community. Elizabeth was the source of affirmation and support for Mary. Our faith requires community.
• How does our faith drive action? Are we trusting God’s promises when the path ahead is unclear? God may be calling us to take that first step of obedience, be it in giving, serving or sharing of faith. - Joy Recognises Christ’s Presence
• Holy expectation produces joy that recognises Christ’s presence. When Mary greeted Elizabeth, foetus John the Baptist leaped for joy. They recognised Jesus as Lord even though he was still in Mary’s womb. Mary’s spirit filled proclamation is a powerful reminder that true joy comes from recognising the presence of God in our lives. Joy is not dependent on circumstances; it is rooted in acknowledging Christ’s presence. We can experience the joy that transcends our challenges. Sharing our faith and experiences can amplify our joy in Christ.
• How often do we pause to recognise Christ’s presence in our life? During Advent, it is easy to get caught up in the distractions of the festivities, but joy comes from recognising Christ is with us. This is the Advent message: The Living God sent His Son on earth to live in the flesh and experience what we experience, fully man and fully God so that He can be our faithful Lord who intercedes for us. That is the High Priest we want and worship, who has experienced life as it is. Joy comes from slowing down to seek Christ and to share His redemptive work with others. - Praise Magnifies God’s Greatness
• Holy expectation of being a disciple leads to praise that magnifies God’s greatness. Mary’s Magnificat invites us to lift our eyes to God’s greatness. She reflected God’s character in her song and His redemptive plan for the world. To magnify God is to make His greatness visible in and through our lives. Magnification helps us see things clearer. Magnifying the Lord within our lives means helping others to see God’s greatness through our words and actions clearly.
• How can we magnify the Lord in our life?
o Uncompromising in prayer – Prayer is about aligning our hearts with God’s will and trusting in His power
o Uninterrupted in worship – Worship is a lifestyle of praising God in all circumstances
o Unceasing in obedience – Our daily decision to trust and obey magnifies the Lord. We reflect His character to those around us and reveal His plan of salvation through our transformation.
Remember to Slow down, Seek Christ and Share. Our call is to live with Holy Expectation. Our faith must drive us to act, step out in obedience and trust God’s promises. We should be people who find joy, recognise God’s presence and celebrate that joy with others beyond Christmas. We should always bring praise that will magnify God’s greatness when we come together so that our lives will be a song of worship proclaiming God’s mercy and faithfulness.
(Sermon notes by Honey Vreugdewater)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Let’s Recall, Reflect, Consider and Commit!
1. Recall a time when your expectations didn’t align with God’s plan but ultimately led to something better.
– How did you see God’s hand at work in that situation?
2. Reflect on Mary and Elizabeth’s faith and joy in recognizing Christ’s presence.
– How can their example inspire you to trust God in your current season of life?
3. Consider what steps of faith God might be calling you to take today.
– How can you respond with the same urgency and obedience as Mary?
4. Commit to magnifying God in your life this week.
– What specific action—whether through prayer, service, or sharing your faith—can you take to make His greatness visible to others?
