It’s kind of ironic that I wrote recently about not being able to recapture that childlike anticipation of Christmas, yet, here I am this morning anxiously awaiting news of whether I’ll get what I want this year. Our kids from Utah are to fly in this Tuesday in order to spend Christmas with us, but they’ve had a bout with the flu this past weekend. If they’re not feeling better by today (Monday) they’ll postpone their trip. Since they’re two hours behind us it’s too early to contact them. I’ll have to patiently wait for them to get in touch with me. Our freezer is packed with meats to be cooked & cookies galore. The past few years we’ve not had a tree but we bought one a couple weeks ago since “the boys” were, I mean ARE coming. Stupid flu.

So what I’ve learned is that anticipation isn’t about age or theory; it’s about wanting something bad enough yet knowing it just might not happen. I’m old enough that if I want something bad enough I either go get it or (if it’s too expensive) I just get over it … but this isn’t a thing it’s a visit — contact with loved ones. It’s what I want most; it’s what I was told I’d get… Alas, we learn yet again that the most precious things in life aren’t things at all.

Thanks, Father, for giving me the gift of anticipation this Christmas & even if I don’t get what I’m asking for exactly when I’d like to have it, I know that You are always up to something good. Merry Christmas! There, a prayer like that ought to guilt God right into doing exactly what I want … right? Just kidding — it is a sincere prayer. We serve an awesome God.

– Pastor Joel Everhart