Season of Expectancy

Greetings friends!

There’s a sense of expectancy in the air – I suppose it’s what I love most about this season. We expect the cozy traditions of trees and sweet smells and familiar songs. We also expect the unexpected as we tear open gifts on Christmas morning and find out what Santa has left in our stocking.

In the Christmas story we encounter a faithful man named Simeon. He lived his life waiting for what had been promised to him – that he would see the Messiah before he died. In Luke 2 we see the promise fulfilled … for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people…

In our work in the city, I find that we often wait in expectancy:

You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed. Joel 2:26

‘…there will be heard once more the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord, saying, “Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for the Lord is good; his love endures forever.” For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,’ says the Lord. Jeremiah 33:10-11

What we find in the midst of an imperfect world are glimpses of what is to come. As we expect these things we watch and wait eagerly. We serve, expecting His kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven.

What a joy and honor to live and work in Houston. I’ve been reminded this holiday season that my work with CSM is far more than schedules and mission trips and students and ministry sites, but it’s about seeing things come to pass that have been promised thousands of years ago. Just as Simeon knew that this baby would change everything, as I encounter Christ in the city my world can be changed. As I look into the eyes of children, refugees, those who are homeless, addicted or hurting, may I expect great things.

And so I pray this for you – my friends, family and faithful supporters. May you wait expectantly for great things. May the reality of Christ fill your lives in ways that far surpass what you could hope or imagine this holiday season.

- Megan Breed, CSM Houston Associate City Director