There is a difference between anticipation and expectation. While both are about hope, expectation carries the idea of a specific outcome that one is waiting for. This Advent season is a season of hope, but are we anticipating or are we expecting?
The Jews in Jesus’ time was anticipating the arrival of a Messiah. They expected one who would lead them into victory in battle over the Romans who occupied their nation and oppressed them. Many would have thought the Messiah would be born into a family of the elite. But Jesus was born in the most unexpected of places – a manger. Hope was found born to families in high places with their connections with power, but among those who are struggling, suffering and have little.
Perhaps we need to open our eyes and see God in the most unlikely of places and hope, light and love coming when we least expect it.
We wait, in hope and anticipation, for Christmas.
Miak