The Excitement of Waiting - Advent Devotional Day 13

Scripture
"As for you, Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
though you are the least significant of Judah’s forces,
one who is to be a ruler in Israel on my behalf will come out from you.
His origin is from remote times, from ancient days.” - Micah 5:2

Reflection
Christmastime is one of my favorite seasons of the year; even before I worked in ministry I would get so excited when stores started decorating and up until this year my own house was usually decorated before Thanksgiving. I’m terrible at waiting to decorate, it is something I know about myself. My fiance has told me that this year we are waiting till after Thanksgiving to decorate and I am trying to think through little ways I can decorate without him noticing. There is just something about the anticipation and excitement of seeing all the places decorated with holiday lights and trees. I just love the glow of the Christmas lights and the sense of coziness it brings.

Think about all the anticipation you experience around the holidays, maybe it’s seeing family, decorating, buying gifts for others. Whatever it is there is anticipation of both the good and the bad variety. There is a sense of excitement that comes with the idea of waiting!

A quote from Andy Worhol that has been prominent in my life is “The idea of waiting for something, makes it more exciting.” I have spent a lot of my life anticipating things whether it’s a Cubs World Series win or a new car. There has been a waiting period in my life. Even now I am waiting and anticipating my wedding next Fall. I love it, there is so much build up and excitement around it!

I think back to the time in our scripture reading today when God tells the people that there is a ruler among them. We know there is a promise in the anticipation of Jesus the Messiah. They are waiting for that fulfillment of the promise of the Messiah to come. Waiting for joy. Waiting for significance in a world that has viewed them as unworthy.

I hope we can all have that anticipation about this Christmas season. That we have the excitement in our hearts for Jesus and the joy of His fulfillment in the promise. I hope that in whatever season of waiting you are in you can see the excitement that comes with it.

Prayer
God - I am so grateful for the seasons of waiting. The anticipation that it brings and the growing excitement within our hearts. God we know that sometimes those seasons of waiting are also difficult and we just ask that you would remind us that you are present and working for us. God we are thankful for you this Advent season that we can be reminded that even in humble circumstances you continue to support and care for us. We love you. Amen.