The third week of Advent is already here. In the first two weeks, we explored the invitation to join Advent, and the preparation, and now our focus turns to the liturgy of expectation.

During the first two weeks, we turned our gaze upon the details and the understanding of the season. Now our senses are now heightened as we embrace the expectancy of all that is to come.

Jesus, our Savior is arriving and in the moment of His birth, nothing remained the same.

Our Light, Our Hope, Our Everything enters the world one silent night. His birth marked a place in time where what we knew and what we held onto turned into the promise of so much more.

What is Expectancy?

Dictionary.com describes expectancy as “the quality or state of expecting; expectation; anticipatory belief or desire.”

I’m still wrapping my head around “anticipatory belief or desire.”

What I am learning in my faith journey is that Jesus is our expectant hope, joy, love, grace, mercy, peace, and the list goes on.

I wrote in The Advent Narrative that:

This is how we posture ourselves in anticipation. We let the seed of hope grow inside and push us toward the future that God promises. We continue to prepare and make room for the One whom John the Baptist proclaimed was coming. We learn that waiting for hope to blossom is what God calls us to in this space of anticipation and preparation. p. 24

My heart is full in the waiting and anticipation. The hope that I cling to is within reach. The joy of the Lord is the gift I seek.

Living with expectancy keeps our gaze focused on the One whom we waited for as a baby. And keeps us company while waiting for the One who is coming again. Advent 2022 – Liturgy of Expectation Share on X

It guides us forward into all God promises for us. Expectancy brings hope into our lives on the darkest days.

I began reading Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always by Ruth Chou Simons and was entranced in the first few pages. The book begins with expectancy as she describes how we need to posture our hearts toward Jesus as we begin Advent.

Ruth provides her own definition of expectancy, which really speaks to me. She says: “Expectancy is anticipation mingled with joy.” p. 21

That’s the heart posture I am seeking. What about you?

Liturgy of Expectation

A new week always brings about a sense of anticipation for me. I look forward to all the week will bring. My inner planner mentality sneaks in as the week unfolds.

But even as I seek out the details, I pray my focus lands more on expectancy than my to-do list. I am praying the same for you, my friend.

As we wrap up this third Sunday of Advent let us engage in a call and response liturgy to open our hearts wider to receiving the Hope we are seeking.

This next section is marked leader and response. If you are with someone else this Advent season, you can decide who reads which part. If you are doing this alone, read through all the parts, pausing after each to reflect and listen.

Liturgy of Expectation

Leader:

When our hearts are weary, let’s proclaim Jesus is coming.

Response:

O Come, O Come Emmanuel! and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Leader:

When our souls sit in disbelief, Let’s shout Jesus is Lord.

Response:

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

Leader:

When our minds are overwhelmed by busyness, let’s remember that the Lord is our Shepherd.

Response:

O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light. 

Leader:

And in those times of the not yet, when we are uncertain, let’s call on Emmanuel, God with us!

Response:

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

Intentionally leaning in and choosing Jesus this Advent!

Here’s a post from three years ago that explains so much about expectancy. I hope you enjoy it. Click HERE.

2nd Photo by Laura Nyhuis on Unsplash