Day 3: Looking Forward
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
Luke 2:1-6
My husband, Ben, learned years ago that I don’t love surprises. He was planning a surprise trip to Nashville for our six month wedding anniversary (back when we were young and romantic and didn’t have children slowing down our spontaneity). He had contacted friends of mine who lived in the area asking them for suggestions of where to stay, which restaurants to dine in, and any must-see tourist stops. We were about two weeks out from the trip that I didn’t know about, when Ben and I had a conversation surrounding a misunderstanding between us regarding some other plans we had made. I explained to him that I like to look forward to things. The anticipation of what’s to come enhances and elongates the experience. He processed what I shared and then the next day told me that he was planning a surprise trip for our half-anniversary.
The trip was great! While I knew about it ahead of time, Ben had already secured most of the plans. He had booked two different hotels in separate parts of the city so that we could really see all Nashville had to offer. He had a list of restaurants to try, and he even looked up artists performing while we were there. And while I’m sure it would have been a successful surprise and still a great trip if he hadn’t told me, being able to look forward to the trip allowed for me to take in every moment of our vacation that much more.
Joseph takes Mary on a trip in Luke 2, but not exactly the ideal getaway. Apparently quite pregnant, Mary heads out with Joseph to his hometown; and then, once they get there, she ends up in labor. I can only imagine that throughout Mary’s pregnancy she had had ideas of what delivering a savior would be like, and it probably wasn’t at the end of a long sojourn to unfamiliar territory. Mary’s anticipation for delivering Jesus was likely not met with reality. And though the event did not live up to the expectation, it likely didn’t take away from the joy of Mary’s experience.
My favorite part of the holiday season is the anticipation. I love living in the before. When I stand in the before and look to the future with excitement, it allows me to enjoy all that could be. If I’m being honest, rarely does the event actually live up to the exact expectation. Sometimes this can be dangerous--leading to disappointment or let down--but over time I’ve learned that I can enjoy looking forward without diminishing what will be.
Each year I gleefully turn on the Hallmark Channel to find endless Christmas movies at my disposal. I’m sure, even now, in October, if I were to switch on the television, I might find early rumblings of holiday cheer. Every year I debate with my husband how early we are allowed to put away the fall decor and pull out the Christmas trimmings. If I’m really taking stock of what I love most about the Christmas season it is all that comes before December 25th. The music promising of Christ’s soon-to-be due date. The time Ben and I spend decorating the Christmas tree, reminiscing over ornaments exchanged in years past. The holiday movies we watch every year. The time we spend together as a family in preparation for what is to come. As I reflect on these special moments I realize that the anticipation is also the event.
Questions:
What do you look forward to most about this holiday season?
Do you find your anticipation adds to or diminishes the actual event you are looking forward to?
How can you both anticipate and then enjoy this holiday season?
