12/12/14 Spirit of Unrealistic Expectations

12/12 Scripture: When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” (Matthew 2:13-15)

Another spirit that makes it hard to embrace the holidays is the spirit of unrealistic expectations. Each year is supposed to be “the best Christmas EVER.” Each eleven months we have to compete against our best efforts from years past. We must have the best and most and the first! This lying spirit convinces us that the quality of our Christmas lies in our actions – in how much we do and spend and how busy we are. It is exhausting and ultimately self-defeating.

Herod had unrealistic expectations about his power and might and he let them consume him. He wanted to control his kingdom and his fate. He was willing to destroy anything that was in the way of how he thought things should be. Even helpless babies were expendable if they were in his way. But Herod most well-laid schemes were no match for God.  Jesus was kept safe. And end in the end all Herod’s riches and power, all his earthly expectations came to nothing at his death.

God created us to love us not for what we do, but for who we are. He loves us despite our sins. We do not earn our salvation. We never could. God gives it to us a gift, completely unearned and undeserved. This is grace! Surely such grace should fill our Christmas celebrations. Let us rest and relax knowing through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, that the perfect Christmas is one where Jesus is worshiped and adored.

Prayer: Lord, may your Holy Spirit cast out any expectations that are not centered on you. Help me to grow in grace and rest in your love.

Application: Spend quiet time reading the Christmas story or listening to carols. Think about how much God has done for you and how much He loves you.

Devotion by Tracie Stewart