Advent - Day 25

Excitement – Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Wednesday, December 24

It is Christmas Eve. We are busy, but we are excited. Last minute shopping, wrapping, and food preparation needs to be done. The excitement is energizing. I remember the years we spent hurrying through the day to get to handbell or choir practice before the five o’clock church service, rushing to get to a big family dinner and then dashing home to get the children to bed before getting everything just right for Christmas morning. I get tired just thinking of those years, but wouldn’t change a thing. Being with friends in worship, seeing the church decorated with pine and magnolia garlands, gathering for communion in the warm glow of candlelight added to the excitement of the day.

Excitement is an emotion to share. We can sense it in someone’s actions, their attitude and in their words. What exciting words were shared with the Israelites by the prophet Isaiah! He even writes that he cannot keep silent as he tells of the change that will take place when the Messiah comes. Just as he said, we are called by a new name—Christ’s ones; we are priceless in God’s hand and God takes delight in us.

Questions to consider: Are you excited today? Why/why not? Will you share the excitement of being a Christian with someone else?