By Dr. Steven G. Blunt

In this season of Advent, as we celebrate and herald the coming of the Christ into the world, we are called to be positioned in a sense of unbridled expectancy.

With all that is taking place within the created order of our world, across our nation, and certainly within our communities, as citizens of Christ we need to be stationed in a sense of great anticipation where we are still expecting God to move. The Revelation of God is not only made manifest in the hearts of those who believe but also in the lives of those who are faithfully expectant to witness God move, orchestrate and reveal Himself as only He can.

One of the great tragedies of life is the sullen reality of having to live each day without any sense of expectation, hope or faith. It’s a grim reality to face each morning, each day, and each evening without any sense of hope or anticipation of greater things to come.

It’s easy to lose that sense of perspective and anticipation living in a world that has institutionally made Christmas less about Christ and more about capital. And if we’re honest with ourselves, somewhere between the decorative lights, the festive celebrations, and the seasonal ornaments of culture that have been visible only days after Halloween and weeks before Thanksgiving — if we’re honest with ourselves it’s quite easy to lose sight of that divine anticipation.

However, just as the wise men and the world awaited the birth of our Savior on that starry night long ago, we too can still with great expectation look to that which Christ desires to birth within us this season.

All is not lost. God’s favor is still upon you and all that is required of you now is to be expectant and to believe! Though the pressures of life are upon us — we are still expectant. Though the trappings of consumerism and commercialism carol and bid unto us as lullabies — we are still expectant. Though the blessings of family, friends and fellowship bellow unto us as sirens once did to passing Greek warships — we are still expectant.

The New Year is almost here. 2015 is right around the corner. Be encouraged. Be faithful. Be expectant. Do not be discouraged or dismayed. Advent and Christmas reminds us that “God is with us (Immanuel)” and He will faithfully see us through. I’m still faithfully expectant, and I pray that you are, as well.

May the blessings of our Lord, Jesus Christ fall freshly upon each of you. Have a wonderful Advent season and Christmas holiday!

Dr. Steven G. Blunt is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Mahan Street and president of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia. For more information about the church, visit www.fbcmahan.org.