Anticipation

Many years ago when our children were small, we had this little game we played to help accelerate a much desired but months away activity, such as, a vacation to Disney World or a trip to visit family in the United States. (This was when we lived in the Philippines.)   

If the thing that we anticipated was months away, we’d look at the calendar and say, “Well, you really can’t count the month of October because that's Dad's birthday and Halloween.  Can't count November because that’s my birthday.  (This is true you have 20 shopping weeks left!) Also that lesser known holiday called Thanksgiving, and we can’t count December because that's Christmas...”  

We’d mentally check off the months, weeks and finally days that led up to the much anticipated event.  After the calendar review we’d declare, “We’re going to Disney World, TOMORROW!”  …when actually, the event was still 10-months away.  The anticipation helped the time pass with excitement.  

If you grew-up in the church during the 1960’s, 70’s or 80’s, you probably remember a similar anticipation; it was the highly anticipated return of Christ and the excitement of a place being prepared for us in heaven.  We sang songs about it, talked about it, looked at the signs of the times and anticipated the Lord's return.    

When I left the altar of my youth on most Sunday nights, the anticipation was similar to that little game we played with our children.   All the boxes were checked off and…Christ was coming-THAT VERY NIGHT.  I believed it could be that very night.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (MSG)  Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. 

This I know…Christ is coming and when He comes…I want to be ready!  There is a stirring in my heart with anticipation!