Anticipation

My nieces, J and F were so excited yesterday for Christmas that they wanted to go to bed early just to get it here faster. Their laughter fills the air here constantly. They giggle all day long. Earlier in the week their cousin, A was here. Christmas is made complete when there are laughing children barely able to contain themselves for this one morning that comes this one time a year. My mom said she would absolutely love to have that same child like anticipation back. As I think about it, we are blessed as adults with a different kind of anticipation and that is of the morning that will start eternity wholly in God's presence. This life is our preperation for that time when with Angels singing a welcome home hymn we will see Jesus face, feel His arms embracing us and hear the deep resonation of His almighty voice say, "Welcome home good and faithful servant." I want that to be the anticipation that grows in my heart as the moment comes ever nearer just as a child anicipating Christmas morning. Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice and this amazing yearly reminder of the glorious anticipation of Heaven.