“Well,” said Pooh, “what I like best,” and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn’t know what it was called. ~ A. A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
I know what it’s called. It’s called anticipation. Eating honey was a great thing for Pooh. But the thought of eating honey might have been even greater because it was just a thought. A well-hoped for thought, but a thought nonetheless. The anticipation of fulfilling that thought was exquisite in many ways.
We are oh-so-close to Christmas. It’s not quite here yet. It is still in the realm of thought, even as images – Christmas trees, Christmas cards, baked goods, wrapped presents – remind us that the day is nearly here. In that anticipation, thoughts of Christmas are much stronger and keener.
As we anticipate what is to come in two days, let us make sure not to drop our guard. Christmas is not yet here. Advent is not yet over. There is still a need to prepare.
FAITH ACTION: Share some of your hopes for the seasons with others today.