Well, folks, it seems I'm fashionably late to the Christmas blog party—by about three months! While stores were decking the halls back in October, I was still trying to find my holiday spirit under a pile of leftover Halloween candy. But hey, better late than never, right? So let's dive into this incredible and exciting story!

Picture this: a time long ago life was both simpler and more complicated. It was a time when you used your imagination, not your iPad and Google!  Imagine a world without TVs, cell phones, computers—or even cars! Traveling 68 miles today is just an hour-and-a-half road trip (or an hour if you're channeling your inner Richard Petty or for you younger folks Kyle Larson). But back then? You'd be saddling up on a donkey with your very pregnant wife for a four-to-five-day trek. Talk about an epic journey!

Why do you get excited about Christmas?

a.  Giving Gifts

b.  Receiving Gifts

c.   Family

d.   Jesus

Ah, Christmas—the word alone conjures up visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads and all sorts of warm fuzzies. For many of us, it's all about family gatherings and joyous celebrations filled with presents under the tree and kids bouncing off the walls with excitement. We dream of twinkling lights, crackling firesides, and maybe even that elusive 'White Christmas.'

But wait—there's more! Beyond Santa's sleigh bells lies something truly special: blessings we didn't ask for or deserve but receive nonetheless. Most people know the story of the birth of Jesus.  His birth is why we celebrate; it's like getting that unexpected gift you never knew you needed but now can't imagine living without.  I want to take a look at some people who were excited about His coming.  So grab some peppermint bark hot chocolate (or whatever tickles your fancy), sit back by that roaring fire (real or virtual), and let's check on a few others from the past that were excited about Christmas and toast to what makes this season truly exciting!

Let’s take a look at a few people who were excited.

1.  John the Baptist - Moving forward from Isaiah 7:14 (a prophecy of Christ’s birth) about 700 years to Mary & Elizabeth; Luke 1:28-45  Mary finds out that she will give birth to the Son of God and then visits Elizabeth v.40. When Mary greets Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s baby “leaped” in her womb (jumped for joy).  John the Baptist was already excited over the coming of Jesus!  Now that is EXCITEMENT! 

2.  The Shepherds - Moving ahead a few months (John was about 6 months in the womb when Mary came to visit).  Jesus is born.  The shepherds in the fields – Luke 2:8-20 - The shepherds were just minding their own business, watching over their sheep, when suddenly an angel appeared to them. The angel told them about the birth of Jesus and how they could find him in Bethlehem. Then the shepherds casually made their way to Bethlehem.  NO, the Shepherds “came in haste”.  Why do you think they “came in haste”?  They were, dare I say,  excited about the coming of Jesus! V. 20 - They couldn't wait to meet the Savior that had been promised to them. They went back to the fields “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen".

3.  The Wise Men - Matthew 2:1-12 Came from the Far East.  Could have been from the area we know as Iraq or from Yemen.  Either way, it is a long journey.  Roughly about 700 to 1,200 miles depending on where they started from. Probably about 40 day’s journey.  This wasn't just a random road trip for the Wise men. They didn't just decide to go because they were bored. No way! They were on a mission, filled with excitement about what they would find at the end of their journey.

4.  YOU - Are you filled with excitement for the glorious return of Jesus? God does not want us to idly sit by, but rather to actively serve Him in our daily lives. Let us demonstrate our fervor for Him and His imminent return! Let us rejoice in His miraculous birth, celebrate in His extraordinary life, and have great joy in His triumphant resurrection. Let us live each day with unwavering faith and dedication, eagerly anticipating His glorious return. Let our hearts be filled with great joy and our actions be a testament to our unwavering devotion to Him. Embrace the anticipation of His coming again with fervor, zeal and dare I say again, excitement!

Have a safe, joyous and exciting (okay, I'll stop) Christmas!

Take care,

Mark