Thursday, Dec 5

Scripture: Luke 1:46-55 (NASB) – “And Mary said: ‘My soul exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond-servant; For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. And His mercy is to generation after generation Toward those who fear Him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, And sent the rich away empty-handed. He has given help to His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, Just as He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever.”

Message: I wait for it all year. The moment I am aware of its arrival, my heart skips and a smile explodes on my face. “Yes! It’s finally here,” I shout inwardly. I can’t wait to feel its warmth in my hands, smell its fresh, fragrant aroma and taste of its goodness. For all us coffee lovers out there, I am referring to peppermint mocha coffee.

It may sound silly, and I will freely admit that it is probably an addiction, but sometimes even the anticipation can be sweet. If it were available all year long, I wonder if my enthusiasm would wane. Anticipation can be a good thing.

As I’m writing this, (and dreaming of peppermint mochas), if I’m being honest, there is a check in my spirit. Do I anticipate celebrating the advent of Christ each year as much as I do my frivolous coffee obsession? I’m not talking about looking forward to all the hubbub of the Christmas season, but rather the anticipation of the quiet moments, celebrating Jesus’ birth.

I can’t help but think of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She had nine months to prepare and await for that first Christmas long ago. In her time of waiting, she praised the Lord in a beautiful song recorded for us in Luke 1:46-55.

It isn’t wrong to look forward to the fun and fanfare of Christmas (or peppermint mocha season), but may we, like Mary, anticipate the one thing that matters most, Jesus Himself. Let’s prepare to worship and celebrate in the quiet moments alone with God and together with family and friends. Let’s make the anticipation of Christmas just as sweet.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for the coming Christmas season. Help me to anticipate what matters most and to look forward to celebrating You. Help me to wait as Mary did in praise and worship. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Robin Hardway
Summit Church Orlando
Orlando, Florida