Christmas Day is approaching, and, if you have children in the house, chances are good that they’re getting pretty excited. After all, “Looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them,” or so says Anne Shirley of Green Gables.

As we grow up, the anticipation of Christmas Day grows less and less magical. Some of us have even grown so weary that we’ve got our head down, and it’s tough to drum up any good cheer. Today’s Good Word says, “Lift up your head and be of good cheer.” But it’s not for gifts or good food. It’s not even for spending time with family and friends.

All those years ago, the time of Christ’s birth was at hand. This upcoming week, we are going to commemorate and celebrate that. But, we still have much to anticipate. The Lord has a latter-day work and a latter-day glory prepared. That’s certainly something to get excited about — and to get ready for.

We wait for the day when God’s arm moves in a mighty way, and we hear, “Behold, the time is at hand.”

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.