Cedric And Marlys Olson

​ANTICIPATING WHAT?
Scriptures:  Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 13:11-14
 
After reading these verses from Isaiah, did you hear and see the sense of anticipation... especially in the new life that is coming? And in Romans 13 that tells us it is the moment to wake from sleep?
 
What is it that are we anticipating? I remember back as a child the sense of excitement as Christmas was coming. I've seen it in both my children and grandchildren. What was under the tree for me?!? At the age of seven I got my electric train, which I still have. The anticipation and wonder of putting the track together, hooking all the cars to the engine, then turning it on and watching the train round the tracks, over, and over again. What fun!
 
Advent is here! What kind of anticipation and enthusiasm do we experience with Advent? Do we anticipate Christmas---the birth of Jesus? Do we anticipate that Jesus is here with us each day? Do we expect real things to happen? Do we anticipate that Jesus will come again?  
 
So, what should we do?  Paul writes in Romans 13:12 that we should, "lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light." We need to turn from any of those things that would pull us away from our relationship with God and live with a genuine sense of anticipation and enthusiasm about what God will do in our lives, and through our lives to touch others.
 
Gracious Lord, you choose to come into our lives. Breathe into us a new sense of anticipation of what you are doing in our lives and how we can live our lives serving you with a new sense of zeal. Breathe into us with your hope. In Jesus name. Amen.