The Joy of Anticipation

Waiting isn’t something we typically associate with joy. We live in a culture of instant gratification, where frustration rises if something doesn’t arrive on our doorstep within 24 hours. Yet, the Christmas season uniquely reminds us of the joy of anticipation—a joy deeply embedded in the human heart.  

For much of the year, we rush through the busyness of life, rarely pausing to reflect. But as Christmas approaches, something changes. Excitement builds. Some can’t wait to decorate and start celebrating—even while neighborhood children are still trick-or-treating! By December 1, families are counting down the days with Advent calendars, savoring the anticipation of Christmas morning.  

As a child, I eagerly awaited Christmas. I’d wake up my parents early, rushing to the tree to see what gifts had been delivered overnight. While I don’t remember every present I received, I vividly recall the anticipation—the joy that built with each passing day.  

As an adult, the Christmas season has taken on an even deeper meaning for our family. Three of our five children were born in December, and two of them arrived in the most memorable way possible—Jack on Christmas Day and Colt on Christmas Eve. The anticipation during those years was unmatched, filling our home with joy and excitement.  

Christmas uniquely revives the feeling of anticipation in a world often consumed by hurry. Why? Because we were created to long for what Christmas represents—the advent of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—Immanuel, God with us.  

Long before the first Christmas, God’s people were waiting for the Christ child. Seven centuries earlier, the prophet Isaiah gave this incredible promise: “Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).  

Isaiah stirred hope for a coming Messiah who would deliver His people and bring peace. He declared: “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7).  

That centuries-long waiting culminated with the angel’s announcement to the shepherds: “I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people, for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).  

The joy of that moment echoed through the magi, who journeyed to worship the newborn King (Matthew 2:1-2), through Simeon, who praised God upon seeing the Messiah (Luke 2:25-32), and through Anna, who, after fasting and praying, rejoiced at the sight of the Christ child (Luke 2:36-38).  

For believers, the joy of anticipation doesn’t end with Christmas. We live with an even greater expectation: Jesus, who came to earth as a baby, will return as the victorious King of kings and Lord of lords. He will establish His Kingdom, where peace, justice, and righteousness will reign forever.  

For those who trust in Christ, this is the ultimate hope. Not only will we live with Him, but we will also see Him in His glory and be made like Him. As 1 John 3:2 promises: “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when he appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”

Even now, God is refining us, making us more like His Son. But one day, that process will be complete. We will be glorified—free from sin, fully transformed into His image.  

As I write this devotional, our church is still recovering from the devastating fire that destroyed our historic sanctuary on July 19, 2024. While the ashes remain, the anticipation is building as we prepare to rebuild a more beautiful place of worship for God’s glory. Yet even this pales in comparison to the transformative work Christ will accomplish in each of us.  

One day, we will be unhindered by sin, perfectly restored, and fully reflect the glory of our Savior. No wonder Scripture says we “groan within ourselves” as we wait for that day (Romans 8:23).  

This Christmas, let’s reflect on these truths. The same joy that filled the hearts of shepherds, wise men, and prophets should fill ours—not only as we celebrate Christ’s first coming but as we eagerly await His return.  

In the waiting, let your life reflect the joy of anticipation—a joy that grows as we draw closer to the day when we will see Him face to face.  

Questions for Thought

1. Does your life regularly reflect the joy we have in Jesus Christ? If not, what could you do to daily remind yourself of the joy of your salvation?
2. One day, we will be fully conformed to the image of our Savior, but we don’t have to wait to make progress. What is one next step that you can take now to live a life more pleasing to Jesus Christ?

Daily Challenge

This Christmas, pray the Lord would fill your heart with the joy of anticipation that comes from knowing Christ and that your joy would be a testament to the transformative power of our Savior.