Suddenly: A Message Of Hope

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.