“Are you ready for Christmas?” Such a question to ask so early in the month! I’m absolutely not ready for Christmas, but I’m trying to get ready earlier in December than I have in previous years. This would include:
- Making a list of presents for respective recipients
- Getting my presents soon so I don’t have a wrapping backup
- Planning my Christmas morning bread-pudding creations
- Watching the calendar to prevent schedule collisions
- Keeping some unstructured time to reflect on Jesus’ birth/entry into human existence
If I plan well and work my plan as it relates to Christmas activities—shopping, wrapping, cooking, etc.—I have high hopes that this Christmas will overflow with Jesus’ presence rather than me being stressed out! With this thinking, I would be wise to prepare instead of being like a pinball, bouncing from event to event and getting exhausted from the Christmas shuffle.
Planning and preparation are helpful actions with regard to Christmas, and I suggest that our heavenly Father did a lot of preparation before Jesus arrived in Bethlehem. One of the really significant things that God did to lead up to Jesus’ arrival was create anticipation or expectation with very key people. In particular, we can read in Luke 1-2 how God created anticipation in the hearts of Zacharias, Elizabeth his wife and Mary who became Jesus’ mom.
Specifically with Zacharias, it’s interesting to read how the angel Gabriel appeared to him, and his reaction of fear and shock. No matter the reaction of Zacharias, Gabriel told him about Elizabeth becoming pregnant even though she was past the childbearing years. Gabriel’s announcement created anticipation in Zacharias as he looked forward to his wife giving birth to their only son. Consider what Gabriel says in Luke 1:13-14, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.” Zacharias lived in silent anticipation for nine months, waiting for his son to be born! Additionally, Elizabeth, his wife, was very excited to be pregnant and bring a miracle son into the world!
God also created anticipation in another person when Gabriel the angel appeared to Mary and gave his very unusual greeting. Similar to Gabriel’s appearance to Zacharias, he announced to Mary something very supernatural. Consider his words in Luke 1:30-31, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.” I’m sure that Gabriel’s announcement evoked lots of feelings in Mary, but most certainly, she also experienced anticipation as she went through her nine-month pregnancy, preparing for Jesus’ birth.
As we are navigating all of the preparations and festivities that go along with Christmas, let’s be mindful of not only what we anticipate, but more importantly, who we anticipate. To this end, let’s anticipate Jesus’ presence with us every day and not just His birth that we celebrate on December 25th.
Be sure to watch for next week’s blog as I’m doing a three-part series for this Christmas season!
