This past Sunday a dear friend commented that they had heard several people say, “I will be glad when Christmas is over.” It broke my heart. You see, today is the 17th of December. In my tradition we celebrate December 25th as the date of Christ’s birth. So as of today, Christmas hasn’t even started yet.

But our choir presented a Christmas cantata last week. One of our guest rooms is filled with wrapping paper and Christmas gifts that need to be wrapped. The stores have been playing Christmas carols, displaying “Grinch’s” and filling the aisles with toys, aftershave lotion, women’s slippers and Christmas cookies since October. You might share with me “Jill, I think that we are already in the Christmas season!”

It’s true, the world will tell us that we are in the Christmas season. But the world once told me that if I kept scrunching up my face that it would freeze that way. The world told me that a meteor was going to take out the state of Kansas. And the world promised me that if I used their product that I would be smart or acne free or gorgeous or have long luscious hair. Friend, the world lies!!

So, what season is it? We are in the season of advent. We are preparing for Christmas. We are expectant. Waiting for the Christ to come to earth.

When I taught psychology, I taught a section on the power of expectation. About a week before the lesson, I had messages delivered to my class members telling them that they needed to be in class on a specific day; that they did not want to miss what was going to happen. I prepared areas of my teaching section where the students were forbidden to enter; areas that had been open to them before. When I student would approach my desk, I would cover the papers in front of me.

And, boy did I get questions!

• Miss Mullins, What is going on?
• Can I help?
• Are we having a special guest or film?

And, I sent more reminders. And the questioning increased. I started getting questioned by other faculty members who had been set up by students to learn the secret.

When the day came, I had snacks and a game or two.

But, my little party never ever matched the excitement of expectation. And the class talked about the power of expectation. It can change your life, your sleep patterns, your thinking.

Friend, God knows your circumstances. He knows that you are weary, overwhelmed, frustrated, sad or angry. “He knows your hurts. He knows your heart.”

So, I get that the world’s description of Christmas is disappointing. It just doesn’t measure up.

And we try. We work to make Christmas exciting. We use music to try to get out hearts beating. We buy more. We eat more.

And, like my class on expectation, we just can’t make Christmas as joyful as we want it to be.

Here’s the secret – stop trying to create Christmas in your mind and heart. Think about world dark in its own filth created by its own doing. Think about being hopeless and lost.

And then, now or in Christmas morning or anytime you want, remember that in the middle of a dirty, damp place where animals were kept that a little baby was born. He was the Hope of the world. He was the bright and shining Light. He was GOD Who looked just like we do. And He lived a life like we do for one reason: to example how to live as He gave His life for our sins. He was Hope in human flesh.

So during these next few days of expectation remember that because you decided to make Him King of your life that that baby who grew and taught and died for our sins is Lord over all that you are. He is your Lord and Savior, Guide and Friend, Protector and Conqueror.

As I sit in this parking lot, I am in tears, knowing that Jesus loves me. He lives in me. And that He saved me out of the dark and filthy world.

Friend, I am awaiting His return.

I am in a season of expectation!!

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6)