ANTICIPATION

 Advent is often described as a season of anticipation. Every time I hear this, I think of the old Heinz Ketchup commercials with Carly Simon singing,  “An-ti-ci-pa-tion, an-ti-ci-pa-a-a-a-tion, is making me wait…,” while we are all watching the agonizingly slow descent of a glob of ketchup fall onto the french fries! Studies showed this ad created anticipation in the viewers. People would actually stop breathing while the ad played and would start again, as soon as the ketchup hit the fries!

I wonder – In this Advent season, are any of us are so eagerly anticipating the birth of Christ that we are holding our breath? I wonder what you are anticipating with particular eagerness this year – A special gift? A time with family or friends? A long-awaited vacation?

Or, perhaps, the anticipation is filled with dread – Not wanting to be alone? Missing a special loved one? Being overwhelmed by too many activities and tasks to be done?

What are you anticipating at Good Shepherd Church – the Lighting of the candles or the communion service on Christmas Eve? Selecting Gifts from the Wish Trees? Seeing the sanctuary all decorated in greenery? There are many traditions, projects and events here in the Advent season. Will any of them cause you to hold your breath as you anticipate the birth of Christ? Ponder the possibilities and join us as we all anticipate the great Good News that God has in store for us! It just might change your life!

Blessings – Laura Lee