Anticipating Christmas

As I think back over this year I find it hard to believe December 2009 has slipped into December 2010.

I heard it said all my life, by folks older than me, that time flies the older one gets. Now that I fall into that "older" category I can tell you, first hand, that axiom is absolutely true.  But how does that correlate to anticipating Christmas?

Christmas is timeless.  According to the Biblical account Christmas began with a Child being born in the Little Town of Bethlehem.  A little town that was extremely crowded because of a decree  from Emperor Augustus that all the world was to be registered.  Joseph, who was engaged to Mary, was from Nazareth in Galilee and they were required to go the city of David, called Bethlehem to be registered. According to the Biblical account,  there were no rooms available.  The only place they could find to rest was in a stable, a barn.  While they were there the time came for Mary to deliver her child. "You shall find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger for there was no room in the inn" (Luke 2:7).  This little child was Jesus - thus the Advent of Christmas.  This story never gets old - timeless!

I've heard this story since I was a very small child and it never grows old, at least not to me. Therefore, timeless. Since I can first remember anticipation of Christmas brought excitement.  Even though Christ was always the center of Christmas in our home, there was the excitement of the arrival of Santa Claus.  Yes, I still believe in Santa!  I remember one Christmas (I was 5) going to Clarksburg and seeing Rudolph the "red nosed reindeer" - he really had a red nose - imagine that!  I always left Santa some cookies and milk - it was always gone when I got up the next morning.  Santa read letters from the North Pole via our local radio station each year. I would sit by the radio each afternoon, with great anticipation of hearing my name. I was so excited when he read my name and acknowledged my letter.  Anticipation!  I've never grown out of the excitement and anticipation of Christmas.

The anticipation of Christmas became new again when Connie and I had children - two beautiful daughters. They were always so excited at Christmas - still are.  As always, Christ was the center of Christmas.  Santa Claus came to visit again and again each year while they were at home.   Milk and cookies and sugar for the reindeer was a must with the girls. Timeless.  Those years, with the children,  flew by so quickly.  Each year brought it's own special and fond memories. The girls are grown and gone.  I long for those Christmas's gone by.

I'm now a grandparent.  Where did those years go?  Once again the anticipation of Christmas with the grandchildren brings extra special meaning and real reason for Christmas. Everyone lives so far away - it other States.  Mimi and Pop, as we are affectionately called, get extremely excited and we anticipate their visit.  Santa is very busy - not only stopping at their house, but also stopping on Rockford Mountain.  He hides gifts in special places in the house.  The kids have a blast trying to find their special gifts.  Did I mention cookies and milk?  Yes, Santa gets an extra treat at their house and here.

Two weeks from today is Christmas Eve.  That means going to church for the midnight candlelight service.  Joy to the World will be sung by the choir.  Silent Night will be sung while the lights are dimmed and candles are lit signifying the LIGHT coming the world.  Anticipation!  Timeless!

Anticipation.  A word full of meaning and excitement!!