🌟12 Gifts of Christmas🎄✨🎁Chikamu

Welcome to day four of the 12 Gifts of Christmas! It's incredible how each day brings a new sense of excitement.

Day four of Christmas reveals the gift of anticipation. So, my question to you this Christmas is, what are you anticipating? Is there something you're eagerly awaiting? Christmas, after all, is about advent—the arrival, the coming of the long-awaited Messiah.

In Luke 1:36, Mary's response to the angel's announcement is powerful. She says, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." Can you imagine the anticipation Mary must have felt? Being told that something unprecedented in human history would happen to her—carrying the eternal Son of God inside her. It's awe-inspiring!

As I reflect on Christmas, I think about the anticipation of Christmas morning, opening gifts, and wondering about the reactions of my wife and children. The thoughtfulness, the joy, the anticipation—it's a beautiful part of the season.

Let's learn from Mary's anticipation. First, she responded with obedience. "Here I am," she said. So, as you wait on God, respond with obedience. Say, "Lord, I'm here. Your servant is listening."

Second, Mary responded with humility. "Behold the maidservant of the Lord." As you wait on God, wait with humility because God honors the humble.

Thirdly, Mary responded with promptness. "Let it be so," she declared. Encouragement for you: As you wait on God, be prompt. Whatever the outcome, say, "God, let your will be done.”

Fourth, Mary responded with faith. "Let it be according to your word," she affirmed. Today, as we unwrap the fourth gift of Christmas—anticipation—may you wait with humility, obedience, promptness, and faith. Say to God, "Whatever you want, I want it. I receive your word for me today."

Today's Prayer: Father, as we open gift number four, instill in us a holy sense of anticipation. May we eagerly wait on you this Christmas, expecting you to work in and through our lives. In Jesus' name, amen.

May your anticipation be met with the fulfillment of God's promises this Christmas season.

Preview for day #5: Praise!