he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Luke 7:19

We are heading into the holidays. The weight of expectation is looming in stores, children’s eyes, and for many charities who see a huge uptick in demand at this time. But what about in our hearts?

From the world

What do you expect this season? Crazy consumerism, meat comas, and family strife? They’re all common as we decide who is preparing what, for which gathering, in what location? This list of less than holy side dishes is virtually guaranteed by the world, right? John 16:33 tells us in this life we will have trouble. Statistics tell us that medical and especially mental health services see a huge increase demand as the holidays only seem to magnify any little crack in the perfectly happy veneer we show the outside world.

So what are you expecting this season, the litany of doom I present above, or, Jesus and all that he brings.

From the Lord

We don’t have to allow any know of trouble any head or heart space. Because that exact same verse, John 16:33 also tell us to take heart, because Jesus himself tells us to take heart because “I have overcome the world.” This year, my prayer for you is that instead of looking for trouble to appear, look for places to pray into. Look for people to pray for. Find ways to show Christ to everyone around you. Then sit back and watch Jesus to show up. We don’t need to expect anyone else. We have a Savior unlike anyone else. Hallelujah.