Anticipation

Anticipation

This devotional looks at the time of Christmas and the season of anticipation that it brings whether in enjoying the events of the season, time with family and friends, or the excitement of receiving and giving of gifts.   

“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself.”

―Charles Dickens –

THOUGHT: 

When my daughter was four years old, she was asked to play “Mary” in the church Nativity play. Well, being her proud mom, I felt my pride bubble start growing almost immediately. I wondered why she was picked out of all the children. Was it because she was so beautiful? Was it because she was so bright? Was it because she was a great actress (for a little one)?

Well, just when I thought I would burst forth with selfish pride, I asked the director of the play. She promptly and matter-of-factly answered “It’s because she shows up to Sunday School every week.”  Oh. Gulp. Pride gone, humility present.

Although I learned a lesson about self-pride that Christmas; I also learned how to appreciate the beauty of children participating in the Nativity play. Their anticipation, the costumes that don’t fit exactly right, the parents’ cameras clicking away, the giggling when someone forgets their lines, and all the wonderful, less-than-perfect performances of the little children. I remember the Biblical scripture “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14).

When we watch their play acting, we don’t dare compare them to professional actors, do we? It is their innocence and lack of training that is so much fun to observe. It is the fresh outlook on an old, old story. It is the stunning beauty of candlelight as the “baby” is placed in the manger. It is struggling little voices singing “Silent Night” in all kinds of awkward keys. It is the solemnity of the occasion demonstrated through the little cherubs we call our children.

We know that the next day, there will be a bounty of huge grins as they open their presents. There will be squeals of delight as the paper is ripped off each present. There will be pumpkin pie and whipped cream above their lips and melting chocolate candies on their fingertips. There will be pleas to go outside and try out the new bike or scooter. Amidst the excitement, we sit back, watch the loving fiasco unfolding in front of us and fondly remember the solemnity of the night before at the church play.

So, whether it is Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, we relish the children in our lives. That must be what Jesus was talking about in the scripture above. Welcome Christmas. We welcome you as a child would. We are awaiting Your Presence. We are anticipating our “gift” of a Savior. We long to unwrap the special beauty of this Christmas. We are His Children. “Let the children come to me.”  God, help us to become as a little child at this Christmas season.

PRAYER:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You, anticipating. We come to You on bended knee. We come to You with the open arms and open hearts of a child. Please welcome us. Accept us. Help us to be like little children. Help us to throw off the constraints of our adult ways and run to you as a child would.

AMEN.

Jump with anticipation!