what are you excited about?

 

What are you waiting for?  Right now it might be about Christmas, the holiday, family or something like that.  There is so much going on.

In the story of Jesus coming to earth there is one piece that sticks out to me about people who were anticipating something very important.  They were waiting and excited about what God had for them.

We have all been in that place.  Waiting and excited.  It is kind of like a kid ready for Christmas but struggling to wait for the big day and all that it brings.

What are you excited about and waiting for?

Then you meet Simeon and Anna at the temple.

Luke 2:27-35  NLT  

That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. 30 I have seen your salvation, 31  which you have prepared for all people. 32  He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” 33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

Luke 2:36-38  NLT  

Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. 37 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. 38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

Both were looking forward to Jesus, the Messiah, coming.  And here is their meeting Jesus and seeing their dreams and hopes come to life.  That was their anticipation.  That was their hope come to life.  

What are we looking forward?  What are we excited about?

Then, let me chat about Cuba and what I was and am excited about!  Every one of the trips I have been on has brought anticipation, excitement and even joy.  

This trip was much the same.  But one part I was anticipating and even nervous about was a 15 hour bus ride from way east in Cuba back to Havana.  The hike was heavy and something I was waiting for.  But the bus ride had me all nervous and uneasy… anticipating to say the least.

But it was good.  Interacting with our team that was on the bus with us was so good.  Seeing some of the country I have never seen before was good.  Doing something that the Cubans do easily and I have never done was cool, the way to travel and how to prepare.

God showed it, and it was good.  I thought it would be harder than it was.  Yet through it all it not only it not too bad, but it was good.  Great outcomes, and there is more to come.

What are you excited about and anticipating in the days ahead?