When God Shows Up Unexpectedly
The Christmas story is full of surprises. Mary was surprised by being chosen. Joseph was surprised by a sudden change of plans. There was a surprise trip to Bethlehem, and a surprise delivery in a surprise guest room. Shepherds were stunned by an angel choir. A star appeared out of nowhere. Wise astrologers found themselves on an unexpected journey to find a king.
Surprises happen because we aren’t expecting them. They are, simply, out of our control. We make assumptions about how our day will unfold, how our lives will turn out, or how God might use us. Then God steps in and does something very different.
The surprise of Christ still comes to us the same way, not because conditions are perfect, but in spite of limited resources, unlit skies, and humble surroundings. Like the people in Luke’s Gospel, we are often caught off guard when God invites us into His plans, sends messengers to guide us, meets us in barren places, and provides blessing and direction as we move forward in faith.
Not everyone, though, was completely surprised when Jesus came. Simeon had been waiting. For years, he prayed to see the Messiah. He lived a long life serving God, watching generations pass through the Temple, longing for freedom from oppression and redemption for his people. His waiting was not passive, though. It was rooted in promise.
As Pastor Jay said, God’s wonder has a way of breaking through in our lives.
Simeon waited with expectation, a hope that leans on God even when fulfillment seems distant. When the day finally came, there were no miracles to announce the child, no obvious signs that this ordinary baby with this ordinary couple was the Savior of the world. Yet Simeon knew. He recognized God in the ordinary and worshiped.
Because Simeon had dwelled with God over time, he was ready when the moment arrived. When the Spirit nudged him toward the Temple, he went. When God fulfilled His promise, his heart was prepared to receive it, to bless, to proclaim, and to praise.
Those who dwell with God learn that waiting is not wasted time. It is where hope takes root, faith deepens, and God’s promises quietly grow until the day they arrive in full.
Jesus would grow and return to that same Temple, bringing healing, teaching, and restoration; inspiring celebration and igniting anger.
Simeon’s hope stretched beyond what he could fully imagine, resting in his trust in God.
Like Simeon, we can remember God’s faithfulness, recognize His presence, and stay ready for His coming again.
Reflection Questions:
• Where in your life have you been holding too tightly to your own plans, and what might it look like to make space for God’s surprises instead?
• What are you currently waiting on God for, and how can you dwell with Him in hope and expectation rather than impatience?
• Where might God be inviting you to recognize His presence in the ordinary moments of your day right now?
