The Reindeer - Trinity Methodist Church

December 19: Read Hosea 12:6 NIV

When I was little, we had these beautiful reindeer ornaments we put on our tree every year. Each reindeer had a name of Santa’s famous reindeer who led him on his Christmas Eve adventures across the land to deliver gifts to children. Those ornaments were my favorite ones on the tree. As we got closer to Christmas Eve, I would move them from the bottom of the tree up closer and closer to the top, signifying they were getting closer and closer to taking off and bringing Santa on his journey to my house…with gifts!

It was the anticipation of Christmas Day that led me to continue this tradition. As I moved the reindeer ornaments closer and closer to the top, I got more and more excited. The excitement of Christmas Day and what Santa would bring was one of the most fun parts of Christmas for me. Did he get my letters with my “what I want” list? Was he going to be able to bring me that fancy barbie doll that was sold out all around town? Could his elves make a cabbage patch doll that really did look like me? And how would he deliver it all when we didn’t even have a fireplace???

Anticipation—it’s an emotion that can lead us to such joy! The build-up gets our hearts moving, our palms sweating, and our bodies swaying. Advent is about the journey of anticipation. As Christ followers, we know that Christmas Eve is coming, and the birth of our Savior is near. But how often do we allow ourselves to really anticipate that? Do you get excited about celebrating our Savior’s birth? OR, do you get so bogged down in holiday details that you miss the anticipation?

Anticipation causes us to be more alert, to watch more carefully, to listen more intently. As we creep closer and closer to Christmas Day, let God get a hold of you and let your anticipation grow, for the Savior is about to be born, and God’s love is about to overflow in a simple manger!

Prayer: Lord, help me find the joy of anticipation during this season. Help me to find the joy of waiting and watching as you prepare my heart to receive your son.