Anticipation

The Christmas tree is up with all the decorations hung upon its branches. The poinsettias are beautiful with their combination of green and red leaves. There is an excitement in the house, a sense of anticipation and expectation. The season of Advent is drawing to a close and the Christ Child is about to be born. Lights are hung on houses and manger scenes are coming to life. Christmas is almost upon us! The joy and excitement are building with the passing of every day.

The trees are finally bare as the December days touch us with a hint of cold. Green wreaths with bright red ribbons hang on every door. There is a tension in the air, yet not a fearful tension but one that is anticipatory. We long to hear the angel make the proclamation of the birth of Jesus, while the heavenly host fills the bright midnight sky with their angelic voices. Perhaps we feel like the shepherds tending their flock by night. We are filled with curiosity and the desire to experience this new birth.

Church bells toll familiar hymns, as the spirit of Christmas grows deep in our hearts. This is the Feast Day of the Incarnation, when God became human through his only begotten Son. God is coming to experience all that we do as humans and more. Salvation and forgiveness is upon us. The renewal of life is a gift each of us is offered. How can we not be excited? How can we not feel the presence of the Holy? The very air speaks of the coming of the Christ Child.

John the Baptist is winding down his ministry and pointing towards Jesus. Christ is the one to come and liberate us from the bondage of sin and death. Where Adam failed and caused us to fall into sin and exile, Jesus’ mission will succeed bringing freedom, hope and reunion. This is a season to truly celebrate. Light has transformed the world, but not just any ordinary light. No this is not man made or even the light of the sun or moon. This is the warm light that radiates from Christ in the manger. This is the warm and life changing light that will save the world and bring joy and goodwill to all humanity.

Where the Romans kept the world at peace through military might, also known as the Pax Romana, Jesus brings peace that comes through love and freedom of choice. Rejoice, again I say rejoice are the words of the prophet Isaiah that echo from the past right into the present. Life is about to change, and blessings and healing are coming into the world, born of a virgin woman named Mary.

Christ the Incarnate, the Word made Flesh is about to come amongst us. Can we feel the joy? Can we feel the excitement? Can we feel the anticipation? The greatest gift of all is born to us in the Christ Child and that is salvation and unconditional love. Feel the joy! Let the excitement flow through us. Follow the words of Isaiah and Rejoice! Again I say rejoice!