Times of Anticipation

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

For months stores displayed twinkling lights and enticed shoppers with an assortment of appealing purchases. Christmas arrived with jubilance for a large number of people. But not everyone. 

            A number of friends lost loved ones this year. They didn’t look forward to the holiday. Their anticipation was one of dread because of grief and sadness. How would they make it through the normal activities and not break down? Would tears replace joy? 

Gifts were unwrapped. Christmas carols silenced. Cookies eaten. The joyful anticipation of Christmas faded. The sparkle vanished. But in some homes there was no sparkle even at the beginning.

            Cloud covered skies reflected the mood of disillusionment the day after Christmas. The after Christmas let down leaves many people, not just those who are grieving, feeling lost with feelings of uncertainty. What comes next? Even the new year may bring anxiety and not upbeat anticipation. 

            I studied the nativity sets in my living room. Baby Jesus lay in every manger. We celebrate His birth and welcome the image of the infant. However, Jesus didn’t stay in the feeding trough. 

            He grew into a toddler, teenager and a man who gathered a group of twelve disciples. For three years He taught them so they could share the Gospel. 

            As the decorations are boxed up and goodies finished, the joy of Jesus’ birth, life and resurrection continues. His story resonates around the world giving hope to the hopeless. Life to those who feel lifeless. Comfort to the ones who grieve. 

            Jesus commands us to share the Good News to those near and those far away. As the new year approaches, we can learn to be more like Jesus as we encourage those who mourn, who are depressed and who feel lost. 

If we reach out in the name of Jesus, what a blessing that will be.  

Father, thank you for Jesus coming as a baby and becoming a man who is always with us as we travel an uncertain journey.

In Jesus name,

Amen