Anticipation - When I hear this word I go straight to the song for the Heinz ketchup commercial. The song sung by Carly Simon rings in my head when I read that word. Lately I've been thinking that in our fast paced instant access society we have forgotten how to anticipate something. Instead of the growing excitement for something we just feel frustration and aggravation. Instead of hope we struggle with doubt.
As Christmas approaches this seems especially true. I remember being little and the excitement and eagerness of Christmas Day. Mostly because of the gifts. How hard it was to go to sleep Christmas Eve and how easy to bounce out of bed to open gifts. These days I get far more excited and anticipate the reactions they others might have over the gifts they will receive.
Today as believers we have lost the anticipation that the Israelites would have had as they watched for a Messiah. Our culture is rapidly leading us to the feelings they must have experienced. Living with the horrible fear of the emperors and kings who took the life of Israelites and then the joy of those who believe the Messiah came.
As we look around today do we live expectantly and anticipate our Lord coming again or do we live in fear of all that is going on around us? We so easily forget that we know the ending and when Jesus comes the second time all will be new.
As I approach Christmas Day I am hopeful and expectant of amazing things. Just as the Jewish people waiting and anticipating the arrival of the Christ child I am waiting for Him to come again. It's so easy to get distracted and afraid of what tomorrow holds. But I just need to remember that each day brings me closer to eternity with Him and to live with the anticipation of seeing His face rather than the fear of the unknown.
Matthew 24:44 ESV “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
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