Traveling to grandma and grandpa’s house, we used to play the game of “Who can see the church first.” In the flat plains of North Dakota with rows and rows of shelter belts, it was hard for use as kids to distinguish which would be the last row and therefore who’d be the first to see the church – the corner where we’d turn toward the farm. It was anticipation, it was waiting, it was excitement, and ultimately it was an appearing.

Doesn’t that encapsulate the season of Christmas? In the midst of decorating our houses, deciding on and buying presents, and planning menus of foods – it’s anticipation, it’s waiting, it’s excitement, and ultimately, it’s an appearing.

My hope for all of us is that we are able to look beyond the routine to see the ultimate sight that is coming. It’s just past the next row in the department store, it’s just ahead of the Christmas gatherings, it’s a bit further than the wrapping and the carols, and it’s beyond the snow and the wind. We anticipate a savior. We wait for the Messiah. We are excited for the light of the world. Then the Christ child appears, allowing us the opportunity to reflect God’s grace to others.  Have a Merry Christmas!