[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner parallax_bg_width=”110″ parallax_speed=”normal” bg_type=”theme_default” bg_grad=”background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, left bottom, color-stop(0%, #FBFBFB), color-stop(50%, #E3E3E3), color-stop(100%, #C2C2C2));background: -moz-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: -webkit-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: -o-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: -ms-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_image_size=”cover” bg_img_attach=”fixed” parallax_sense=”30″ viewport_vdo=”viewport_play” enable_controls=”display_control” bg_override=”0″ class=”advent” el_id=”adventHeader”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][us_image image=”8122″ animate=”afb” animate_delay=”0.2″ size=”medium” link=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Advent Devotional” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:65|text_align:center|color:%23efefef” google_fonts=”font_family:Condiment%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”adventTitle”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner parallax_bg_width=”110″ parallax_speed=”normal” bg_type=”theme_default” bg_grad=”background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, left bottom, color-stop(0%, #FBFBFB), color-stop(50%, #E3E3E3), color-stop(100%, #C2C2C2));background: -moz-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: -webkit-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: -o-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: -ms-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);” bg_color_value=”#eaeaea” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_image_size=”cover” bg_img_attach=”scroll” parallax_sense=”30″ viewport_vdo=”viewport_play” enable_controls=”display_control” bg_override=”0″ background=”primary”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][us_image image=”8240″ size=”full” link=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]

Anticipation

by Sharon Leddick

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]My seven year-old grandson, Emerson, is the ultimate Lego fanatic, he has been since he was three. He can follow elaborate directions on how to build a Coast Guard cutter or create his own designs, which he affectionately describes as, “Out of my mind.” Last year his parents gave him a Lego Advent calendar wherein each day a tiny flap in the cardboard calendar is popped open to reveal a Christmas themed item. I watched him as his tiny, nimble fingers cautiously ripped along the perforated line. Each day revealed a new item to complete the Christmas scene; a cute character in winter clothing, tiny boxes with even tinier bows, a sleigh and a Christmas tree each added to the bigger scene which would be completed on Christmas day. Every morning a new surprise awaited him and he could barely contain his excitement.

As Emerson worked on opening the flap without tearing outside the line, his mom informed me he woke up at 4:30 that morning hoping to talk her into letting him pry open that day’s box. I found myself envying his eager enthusiasm and I wanted so much to have that level of joy and excitement.

Witnessing Emerson’s excitement over this calendar and its daily surprise, brought an new awareness to my thoughts of Advent and the anticipation of Christmas. This is what Advent is all about, preparing oneself with excitement and joy towards the gift each morning holds. It might be something small like a beautiful sunrise or a smile from a stranger or something bigger like a visit from a distant relative or a meal with a friend.

Make your prayer this day to be one of allowing joy to fill your heart with a childlike excitement, to receive your king with unbridled anticipation.

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