December 1: Expectation

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.- Luke 2:25​

I hate to wait for anything good. But everything good is made that much better by having been eagerly anticipated. If Christmas morning were to arrive unexpectedly in July one year, even if it came with all the gifts and food and music we cherish, wouldn’t you feel cheated out of the season of Advent? Wouldn’t you feel that the day had been diminished for lack of expectation?

Stock your Christmas pantry this year with expectation and add it liberally to every dish. But make it a year round staple while you’re at it. God will go on delighting us with surprises, but where he’s made a promise let us look forward to its fulfilment with the same eager expectation that we see in Simeon.

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Make pomanders for an old fashioned holiday decoration! I love making pomanders and having them around, but I confess that I have a difficult time getting them to dry without rotting. If you figure it out, let me know.

Written by: Joel Tate 

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