Dear Church Family,

Luke 2:25-33 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,  according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31  that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32  a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.
-ESV

As we step into the Christmas season, it’s easy to let the familiar rhythms carry us: the decorations, the gatherings, the traditions. While these are beautiful and meaningful, they can also lead us to a place of spiritual complacency. Luke introduces us to Simeon, whose heart and life invite us to enter this season differently—expectantly.

Simeon was not just going through the motions of his faith. He was actively waiting, filled with anticipation for what God was about to do. His expectation shaped his daily life, and because of it, he didn’t miss the profound moment when Christ entered the world.

What about us? Do we approach this Advent season expecting God to do something new in our lives? Do we pause long enough to sense where He might be leading us? Or have we allowed old habits, busyness, and familiarity to cloud our vision of what Christ wants to do in and through us?

Advent is a time of preparation and reflection, but it’s also a time of great expectation. Just as Simeon waited faithfully for the Messiah, we too are called to wait on the Lord, trusting that He is at work. This might mean taking extra time in prayer, stepping out in faith to mend a broken relationship, or simply asking God to reveal Himself in ways we’ve never noticed before.

As we journey through Advent, let us approach this season with hearts full of anticipation. Christ came to make all things new, and He is still working today. Let’s not miss the unique and transformative ways He wants to move in our lives because we’re too caught up in what’s familiar.

Let this Advent season be marked by faithful expectation, just as Simeon’s life was. May we look for Christ in unexpected places and be ready to receive the gifts He has for us. As we journey together toward Christmas, may we each discover the wonder and joy of expecting the Savior to meet us in new and beautiful ways.

Let’s enter this season with open hearts and expectant spirits, ready to be amazed by the One who came to bring us life and hope.

Loving you all, 
Michael