Suddenly: A Message of Hope
December 1, 2024
Dr. Bradford Reaves
Crossway Christian Fellowship
Luke 2:8-14
Today, as we begin Advent, our focus is on hope—the hope that came suddenly on that first Christmas night and the hope we continue to carry as we await Christ’s return.
Advent reminds us of two realities: the joy of Christ’s first coming and the anticipation of His second. Both are deeply tied to the theme of suddenly. Throughout the Christmas narrative, we see God interrupting the ordinary with the extraordinary. What seems sudden to us is part of His eternal plan.
Life is full of “suddenlies.” A phone call with devastating news. A diagnosis that changes everything. A sudden loss that leaves us reeling. These moments may feel chaotic, but they are never outside of God’s sovereign control. In every “suddenly,” we can cling to the hope that God is at work for our good and His glory.
I. God’s “Suddenlies” in the Christmas Narrative
Let’s begin with Luke 2:8-14
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:8–14)
The shepherds were ordinary men, doing an ordinary job, on an ordinary night. And then, suddenly, an angel appeared, and their world was changed forever.
Why Shepherds? Shepherds were considered outcasts—people on the margins of society. Yet God chose them to be the first to hear the announcement of the Savior’s birth. This wasn’t a random choice. God loves to use the overlooked and the unlikely to accomplish His purposes.
This brings us to our first truth about hope: God’s hope is for everyone. If He can use shepherds to proclaim the arrival of the Messiah, He can work through each of us. No one is beyond the reach of His love or the scope of His plan.
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21–23)
Like the shepherds, we often feel unprepared for the “suddenlies” of life. But the angel’s message speaks to us today: “Fear not… I bring you good news of great joy.” Even in the middle of uncertainty, we have the hope of God’s presence and His promises.
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, (Hebrews 6:19)
II. The Pattern of God’s “Suddenlies” in Scripture
This isn’t the only time God has worked suddenly. Throughout Scripture, we see a pattern of God intervening in unexpected ways to bring hope to His people.
1. Moses at the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-6)Moses was tending sheep when God appeared in the burning bush and called him to deliver Israel from Egypt.
2. Elijah’s Still Small Voice (1 Kings 19:11-13): After the wind, earthquake, and fire, God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper, reminding him of His presence and purpose.
3. Paul on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6): A sudden light transformed a persecutor into an apostle, proving that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
In 1989, the world witnessed a remarkable and unexpected event: the fall of the Berlin Wall. For nearly three decades, this formidable barrier had divided East and West Berlin, symbolizing the broader ideological divide of the Cold War. Its sudden collapse not only marked the reunification of Germany but also signaled the end of a tense era in global politics.
The events leading up to the wall’s fall were rapid and unforeseen. On November 9, 1989, an East German government spokesperson mistakenly announced that travel restrictions would be lifted immediately. This announcement led thousands of East Berliners to gather at the wall, demanding passage. Overwhelmed and unprepared, border guards eventually opened the gates, allowing people to cross freely. Scenes of jubilation ensued as families reunited and citizens from both sides celebrated together atop the once-imposing structure.
Many viewed this sudden turn of events as a manifestation of divine intervention. The peaceful nature of the wall’s fall, without significant violence or bloodshed, was seen by some as evidence of God’s hand guiding the course of history toward freedom and unity. This perspective aligns with the belief that God can orchestrate significant changes in the world, often in unexpected and swift ways.
III. Navigating Our Personal “Suddenlies” with Hope
Life’s “suddenlies” can shake us to our core:
• The death of a loved one.
• A shocking diagnosis.
• A broken relationship or unforeseen betrayal.
• Financial hardship or loss.
These moments may leave us questioning, “Where is God in this?” But Scripture assures us that He is always working behind the scenes.
Dr. Henry Cloud, in his book “Changes That Heal,” emphasizes that change, though often unsettling, is an inevitable part of life, and it can lead to personal growth and spiritual maturity. Rather than trying to blame, he tells believers to strengthen their spiritual walk by taking recognizing our feelings and aligning them with God’s truth. We may not control the sudden shifts in our lives, we can control how we respond, choosing to trust God’s sovereignty in the midst of uncertainty. By maintaining an unwavering belief in God’s faithfulness, we can endure life’s “suddenlies” with a spirit of hope.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Mary was concerned of the news that she, as a betrothed girl, would become pregnant, but that fear gave way to faith through her relationship with God. The shepherds likely felt overwhelmed by the angel’s sudden appearance, but their fear gave way to joy when they realized the message was one of hope. God often uses our most unexpected and challenging moments to draw us closer to Him and reveal His faithfulness.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating floods in North Carolina, communities have demonstrated remarkable resilience and hope. For instance, David Burke, a resident of Margarettsville, organized a Thanksgiving feast for over 5,000 survivors in Newland.
Similarly, the Cartner family’s Christmas Tree Farm in Newland, NC, was significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene, which caused a mudslide that destroyed 5,000-6,000 trees. Despite this, their farm was selected to provide the White House Christmas tree. The chosen 20-foot tree, which survived the hurricane, was transported to Washington, D.C., to be presented to the First Lady.
IV. The Promise of Christ’s Sudden Return
The Christmas story reminds us that God’s “suddenlies” are not confined to the past. The greatest “suddenly” is yet to come. “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. (Revelation 22:12) The Greek word translated “quickly” means “suddenly.” Just as Christ’s first coming surprised the world, His second coming will catch many off guard.
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:44)
This is where our hope takes root—not only in what God has done but in what He has promised to do. The hope of the Christian faith is not a vague, wishful thinking; it is rooted in the firm, unshakable promises of God. The first coming of Christ was a tangible fulfillment of God’s promises - His Word - to His people, fulfilling hundreds of prophecy. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, it was the culmination of centuries of prophecies and divine interventions, each one building toward the arrival of the Messiah. His life, death, and resurrection sealed the hope of salvation for all who believe. But that hope doesn’t end with His first coming—it continues to grow, deepen, and expand as we look forward to what God will do next.
The same Savior who came as a baby in a humble manger will return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This future promise fills us with an unshakable hope, even in the midst of life’s “suddenlies.” Even more, our world is witnessing all kinds of ‘suddenlies’ in the form of what Jesus called ‘birthing pains.’ These pains continue to increase in frequency and intensity, but remind us of the assurance that Jesus will come again to make all things right, to restore a broken world, and to bring final justice and peace.
Jesus’ return will be sudden and unexpected, but for those who are ready, it will be the fulfillment of every longing and promise. While we wait, we live in the light of that hope, knowing that every hardship and every trial is temporary. The ultimate victory has already been won, and when Christ returns, He will establish His eternal kingdom, where there will be no more pain, no more tears, and no more suffering. That is the hope that sustains us, the hope that guides us, and the hope that we proclaim to a world in desperate need of it.
Application:
As we look to Christ’s return, we must ask ourselves: How are we preparing for His return? Are we living with the urgency and purpose that comes from knowing He could come at any moment? In a world where uncertainty and chaos seem to grow by the day, it’s easy to be consumed by fear, anxiety, and doubt. But as believers, we are called to live with the hope and confidence that Christ’s return is imminent, not something to fear but something to eagerly anticipate. The days we live in are not days of hopelessness, but days of hope in the promise that our Savior will return to make all things new. In everything we are given is an opportunity to draw closer to Him. Let that hope fuel our lives today and compel us to share Christ’s love.
In recent news, it was revealed that a member of the Biden administration leaked details of an impending Israeli attack to Iran. As a result, Israel had to cancel its original plans. For any other nation, this would have been a devastating setback. But Israel, guided by determination and ingenuity, pressed forward. When the time came to strike, Israel executed a new plan, notifying the U.S. only eight hours before the operation began. Using the technological marvel of their Gulfstream 550 reconnaissance aircraft, Israel neutralized Iranian defense warning systems, ensuring their mission’s success.
The codename for the Israeli Gulfstream is “Nachshon.” In the Bible, Nachshon was the first to step into the waters of the Red Sea. His decision to move forward in faith, even before the miracle of the sea parting, exemplifies the kind of hope that moves us to act with courage, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His promises. When the situation seemed impossible, he stepped forward in trust.
In our own lives, we too are called to live with active hope. And like Nachshon’s courageous step into the sea, we are called to step into life’s suddenlies with confidence that God is working behind the scenes, preparing the way, and that His ultimate plan for our lives and for the world is one of victory and hope. Just as Israel was led out of Egypt and across the Red Sea, we have the hope of being led by God to our ultimate deliverance in Christ. His return is the culmination of our hope—a hope that is anchored in His faithfulness, power, and the certainty that He will do what He has promised.
In light of the hope we have in Christ, we are called to live with urgency. We must not only wait for His return but act on the hope we’ve received. How can we be agents of hope in a world that so desperately needs it? What can you do this week to share this hope with someone around you?
