“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.”- Luke 2:1-6 ESV
I don’t love surprises. Instead, I like to look forward to things. The anticipation of what’s to come enhances and elongates the experience. Early in our marriage my husband, Ben, attempted to surprise me with a trip to Nashville. About a week before we were scheduled to leave, he recognized my love of looking forward and shared the surprise with me. Allowing me to enjoy the trip that much more as I excitedly awaited what was to come.
Joseph takes Mary on a trip in Luke 2, but not exactly the ideal getaway. Quite pregnant, Mary and Joseph head to his hometown; and then, once there, she goes into labor. I assume that throughout Mary’s pregnancy she had had ideas of what delivering a savior would be like, and it probably wasn’t at the end of a long sojourn to unfamiliar territory. Mary’s anticipation for delivering Jesus was likely not met with reality. And though the event did not live up to the expectation, it likely didn’t take away from the joy of Mary’s experience.
My favorite part of the holiday season is the anticipation. I love living in the before. When I stand in the before and look to the future with excitement, it allows me to enjoy all that could be. If I’m being honest, rarely does the event actually live up to the exact expectation. Sometimes this can be dangerous—leading to disappointment or let down—but over time I’ve learned that I can enjoy looking forward without diminishing what will be.
Each year I gleefully turn on the Hallmark Channel to find endless Christmas movies at my disposal. Every year I debate with Ben how early we are allowed to put away the fall decor and pull out the Christmas trimmings. If I’m really taking stock of what I love most about the Christmas season it is all that leads up to December 25th. The music promising of Christ’s soon-to-be due date. The time Ben and I spend decorating the Christmas tree, reminiscing over ornaments exchanged in years past. The holiday movies we watch every year. The time we spend together as a family in preparation for what is to come. As I reflect on these special moments I realize that the anticipation is also the event.
Questions:
- What do you look forward to most about this holiday season?
- Do you find your anticipation adds to or diminishes the actual event you are looking forward to?
- How can you both anticipate and then enjoy this holiday season?
Meredith Barnes
Connect with Meredith
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I enjoyed your writing very much. A little different look at what we see at Christmas. We all need a new look at times, and encouragement to see new “old” things. Thank you for your look at Christmas.
Thank you! Yes fresh eyes are always a gift. This year is offering us all a new perspective.