Anticipation

But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. Ga. 5:5

To me, the best part of Christmas involves anticipation.  Eagerly awaiting those two special days with family; getting excited about the gifts I purchased and picturing the faces as they open them;  eating incredible food, and anticipating the rest, the joy, the peace. As Christmas nears, my anticipation and excitement mount.  

And isn't that what our whole life is supposed to look like? Excited for "the big day"?  

Aren't we supposed to live like Christ is coming?  

Because He is.

But I think many of us, myself included, forget that this life is brief--a flicker of a flame.  And we have a purpose here, and no, it's not to make ourselves happy.  It's to glorify the One who is coming. In America, perhaps more so than most other parts of the world, we think it's about us.  Life is about today and living it up or about what we can accomplish and preparing "a future security" for ourselves.  Others are stuck, not in the temporal moment or the plans for tomorrow, but in the disappointments of the past.  All three perspectives take our vision out of focus.  Our eyes need to be set on our Savior, His purpose for us and His return.  Without that in mind, our life becomes a teeter-totter off balance and we allow other idols to creep up (even seemingly good things). 

Our country is still reeling from the tragedy in Connecticut.  Many are worried about the turmoil in Washington, and yet overall, Americans have grown apathetic and lazy.  

Many have asked, "Where is He?"

But He is here?  Even though we've done everything to push Him aside.  He remains faithful to His unfaithful.  And He uses our pain to create new growth and life.  

Joel 2:12 That is why the LORD says, "Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.

Hosea 6:1 "Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds.

So this Christmas, remember that our Christ really did come to redeem us from this fallen world, and yes, He is coming back for us.

John 14:3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.