It’s nearly time. The lead up to Christmas is a bizarre concoction of fun, stress, shopping, laughter, baking, parties, caroling, and much eating of rich food. And now it’s Christmas Eve. It’s nearly time.
I’m convinced I’m now the biggest kid in my family. The teens and twenties types have left ME to be the Christmassy one. I eat up the anticipation of the big day, memories of my own special childhood Christmases still running deep. I know tomorrow morning that I will be the first awake, and the first to pester my poor husband, anxious to open my stocking presents. So today I started slowly.
I had the rare opportunity this Christmas Eve morning to sit by the Christmas tree with my coffee and muffin, and ponder. I slowly read from The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp, wanting to take in as much of the advent anticipation as possible.
This book has helped me so much to slow down and enjoy advent, taking in a different aspect each day and letting it sink in and soak in. I’m a visual creature, and so hanging a daily image on my “Jesse tree” has given new meaning to the anticipation of Christmas.
Voskamp considers the birth of Christ in with these words:
“All of conquered heaven and grateful earth echo and throb tonight with the cry of the God-Child. I did it for love.”
I did it for love.
The depth of Jesus’ love is astounding. Christmas is astounding. Presents, snow, carols, family gatherings and feasts… all pale in the light of the miracle:
His great love.
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9
How is your anticipation this Christmas Eve? Are you hyperventilating in childlike excitement as you think about the unwrapping of special love-given gifts and sharing thoughtfully-prepared food with family and friends? Are you saddened thinking of dear ones who are no longer here to join in the celebrations? Are you even aware of His great love, which shines ever brighter over it all?
Senses are heightened and emotions heave over the festive season. Nostalgia is rampant and memories are made and recalled. But what does He want for Christmas this year? Our Saviour, the One who made Christmas? Beautiful in its simplicity, He wants our love and adoration.
Come, let us adore Him.
This Christmas Eve, in the wonder of anticipation:
Come , let us adore him. Our Christ. Our Lord.
Wishing you the warmest, most blessed Christmas ever…
Anticipating much in Him,
