The Thrill of Hope

Christmas is coming!

That inner gasp happened to me this morning.   A thrill, if you will.  Anticipation that something really good is going to happen.   A vacation is coming and there is going to be a little something fun every day!  I’m thinking of the people, the lights, the music, the preparations, all pieces parts of the celebration.  But I love the anticipation!

When I was a young girl I would squeal when I got excited.  But now I tamp it down.  I tell myself not to get my hopes up.   Don’t raise my expectations too high.  Then I can’t get disappointed.  This is what life on earth can do to us, worry often replaces joy and maturity replaces fun.

So I said a mini prayer in my head.  I asked the Lord if anticipation is an ok thing.  Then I remembered that anticipation is just having high hopes.  And hope is all over the bible…

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul.  Hebrews 6:16

Be joyful in hope Romans 12:12

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

So it is good for us to have high hopes and excitement for good things to come.  I think God would be pleased if we let ourselves have the thrill of anticipation of the things He has promised.  So let’s read the New Testament and find out what He has promised, like help and love and heaven, and let it bring us sparks of excitement and happiness.