December 15 Anticipation Isaiah 8:17
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.” (Isaiah 8:17)
Christmas was a time of great anticipation and ever building joy, when I was a boy. I know that I must have been a real “pain” to my parents as I continually talked about Christmas. “Will it ever come?” Anticipation is a tremendous part of the pleasure that we receive when we a waiting for special events. Our trip to Disney World, in 2019, was made more exciting by the anticipation of what we would see and do. Anticipation was a part of my existence and I proudly proclaimed, to all that would hear, “only 72 days til Christmas!” Think about it…Mama would make our home so festive and she would cook some amazing, once a year, treats and pies and cakes and everyone seemed a bit nicer and the entire “Spring Bank” community took on a different look, for the Christmas Season. As I grew older, Mama and Daddy would share with me the need to recognize the Reason for The Season, while anticipating and enjoying the time. It has been said that Christmas is for the children, well, I suppose that I am a 64 year old child. I still anticipate Christmas, I still enjoy the special treats (sausage balls, chocolate candy, fudge, coconut and chocolate pies). Today, my anticipation of this special time, is made, even greater, by the realization that, without Christ, there would be NO CHRISTMAS! As an Adult, I patiently, well, as best that I can, wait on the Glory of the Lord, and embrace the real reason for celebration. “And I will wait upon the Lord….. and I will look for him.” I still love this time of year, yet, today, it is sweeter because of a different anticipation. I am seeking Him, I am anticipating His arrival, and I embracing His Gift! Please keep the REASON FOR THE SEASON, THE MAIN THING IN YOUR CELEBRATION! ANTICIPATE THE DAY, ENJOY THE TRADITIONS, ENGAGE IN CELEBRATIONS, BUT, NEVER FORGET THE REAL AND LASTING REASON FOR THE SEASON! Happy Birthday JESUS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!