ANTICIPATION
As a child I have fond memories of Christmas and the anticipation it held. I remember decorating the tree, and the house, and especially recall the building excitement as the “Big Day” drew near.
I am the oldest of 3 children. My brother and sister, and I, would go through all of the catalogs “wanting and wishing”. We wondered if Santa would bring us what we wanted. Though we didn’t ask for everything, the lists weren’t short either.
Each passing day, as we got closer to Christmas day, the more presents would be under the tree. The lights, tinsel, ornaments, and shiny, wrapping paper only added to the growing excitements.
I vividly remember Christmas morning; getting up early, with flashlights in hand, and checking out the wonderment that had been left under the tree. The amount of gifts had grown overnight! Presents from Santa, Mom and Dad, our grandparents. It was incredible.
I didn’t realize it much then, but as I think back on it, there was an amazing silence. A comforting quiet that doesn’t come any other morning of the year.
I can’t help but think about that night when the Shepherds were out in the fields. I’m sure the sky was filled with stars. The animals were sleeping. And it had to be so peaceful.
"That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people." - Luke 2:8-10
Our quiet ended by the noise of opening gifts and the shrieks of joy. Their quiet shattered by the appearance of an angel.
It’s in the stillness, and silence, the gift came; ours in the form of toys, but for everyone in the form of a child.
In the excitement, and busyness of these days, if we could just capture the silence, and pause in the stillness, we would have the enthusiasm of a child to celebrate the greatest gift of all.
- Devotional provided by Brad McMillion (Bluefield Campus Next Steps Pastor)