Would you want to REPEAT YOUR CHILDHOOD?

 I got into a discussion last week answering the question, "would you want to do it again?" The point was, would you want to be a kid again? My answer was NO, I love being old and I love the life I have lived. But, let me make ONE EXCEPTION. 

I would love to be a KID AGAIN AT CHRISTMAS TIME! 

It is not that I don't love Christmas now, but when I was growing up, I remember the magic of Christmas. I remember the Christmas Eve Candlelight services and then running home to jump in bed just realizing there is no way I could go to sleep. The anticipation of SANTA coming made it impossible to close my eyes. I never had VISIONS OF SUGAR-PLUMS. My visions were about the BIG SANTA GIFT, the surprise gifts from my parents, and having time to play with NEW STUFF. This crescendo of anticipation grew from the day after THANKSGIVING until December 25th. I love the memories of those days. 

I do not have that same growing anticipation for Christmas day. My joy is not in the gifts anymore. My joy is getting to be with the GIRLS and their families. I do enjoy that time, but it is a very different kind of joy. 

I was thinking about GROWING ANTICIPATION when I was reading Hebrews 12:2

"... And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1b-3, NIV)

I love the line "for the joy set before him he endured the cross." Jesus is like a KID AT CHRISTMAS anctipating those who will come to him. He awaits with great joy the day of his second coming where he will defeat satan and the evils of this world for the last time. Are we filled with that kind of GROWING EXCITEMENT when we think about the coming of Jesus either at CHRISTMAS or HIS SECOND COMING?

I had a dear friend and colleague pass away on Tuesday. She was such a great lady. Don't get me wrong when I say that I await that passing with GREAT JOY and EXCITEMENT. I anticipate that day just like I did Christmas as a boy. It is not like I am wishing to go, but what a GLORIOUS DAY THAT WILL BE. AND because of that great anticipation, I want others to join me! 

On Christmas morning it was a great joyous event for all of the kids in my family. The excitement we shared is sometimes inexpressible. I loved sharing it with my brothers and sisters. The same will be true of our homecoming. I cannot wait to share it with my family, friends, and those who WILL make that commitment. PRAISE GOD, JESUS WILL COME AGAIN!

Heavenly Father, I feel like a kid again just anticipating your second coming or my trip home. Either way I get to be with you. I live for that moment and pray that I might have some impact on getting others to anticipate that same moment. Fill me with your Spirit Lord. Give me the words, the actions, the tools, to influence others to join me with that great anticipation. Lord we can't wait to see you face to face. Come Lord Jesus Come! Amen!

Are you like a CHILD anticipating the coming of the Lord?

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If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

If you gave your life to Jesus today, text the word "faith" to (765)-896-4302 and we will follow up with material for you and join you in your walk of faith!