Eager Expectations…

 

When I was young, I used to look forward to Christmas with great expectation and excitement. It was hard to wait until the morning finally arrived. And what fun in discovering the evidence of Santa’s visit—mysterious presents under the tree and cookies missing from Santa’s plate.

Once I even thought that I heard the jingling of bells and hooves clattering on the rooftop of our house… in the middle of July! There was always high energy in our home on Christmas morning, when we all tumbled, or were tumbled, out of bed around 6:00 a.m.

Other than dreaming about Santa in July, what else does anticipation look like? Our dog TJ is a living example of it, especially at some key moments of the day. TJ looks forward to his dish of dry dog food every morning, but really gets excited around dinner time. At dinner, he usually gets some type of cooked vegetable, along with pieces of apple, a hardboiled egg or cottage cheese to supplement his dog food.

While waiting for me to get dinner ready, he stands at the door of the kitchen expectantly, with his ears perked up and tail wagging. Unable to tell me to hurry up, he gets the message across with whines and howls which grow in volume until the food is finally ready. Then he races to his dish, nudging my hand and arm, hardly able to contain himself until I set it down.

When it is time for a walk around the neighborhood, TJ again gets excited. If he could put the harness on himself, he would. It is hard to get him to stand still while putting it on. How he seems to know the time of day for dinner and walking is a mystery!

Whenever Al and I leave the house, TJ sits by the picture window in the front room where he has a good view of the street and the driveway. On our return, we can see him through the window and can hear his howls from the car!

 Once I find my key and let him outside, he leaps down the steps and races around both of us with great joy. “Welcome home! Welcome home!”

Through the years, the anticipation of Christmas has shifted away from self and more to celebrating Christ’s birth and giving to others. Singing Christmas carols, attending worship services,  concerts and pageants all contribute to the excitement of the celebration, along with the cards, gifts and family get-togethers.  

At the time of Jesus’ birth, there were two special people in Jerusalem who were waiting in expectation of the coming of the Messiah, a devout man named Simeon and a widow who had spent decades in the temple worshipping, fasting and praying.

Simeon was directed by the Holy Spirit to go into the courts of the temple just as Joseph, the carpenter from Nazareth, and his wife Mary arrived with their newborn baby, Jesus. They were going to the temple in Jerusalem to dedicate Jesus to the Lord and offer a sacrifice according to the Jewish law.

God had promised Simeon that before he died, he would see the Messiah. Recognizing that this baby was the promised Messiah, he took Jesus into his arms and praising God, said: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32 NIV)

Simeon’s waiting in expectation of the Messiah was rewarded at last when he held the infant in his arms. Imagine the sense of wonder he felt! He was filled with joy and thankfulness.  Joseph and Mary must have been overwhelmed by this surprise greeting.

At that very moment, the widow Anna came up to their small group. Anna also gave thanks to God for the baby Jesus, recognizing that he was going to be the redeemer of his people. (Luke 2:37-38) Anna was eighty-four years old when she witnessed the arrival of the Messiah!

Simeon and Anna…their longing, watching and waiting for the Messiah was finally fulfilled. In this year of 2023, as we look back and remember Jesus’ birth, so may we also look forward with excitement to his return. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!  

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” Matthew 24:42 NIV