 I love the season we are entering. It's a season of expectation. Wonder. Joy. A season of hope. The expectation I'm talking about isn't what Santa is going to leave under the tree. The wonder isn't about hearing reindeer on the rooftops. It's about this verse: For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ We've had a Christmas decoration for several seasons now that the kids have always loved. I think they have loved it because of the anticipation that it brings. It's a small manger covered in straw that hangs on a hook. We display the empty manger until Christmas morning when we place the baby Jesus inside. Although the girls are no longer wee ones, they still enjoy this simple little symbol of what is coming. The season is about the expectation of a Savior. We anticipate celebrating His birth as we eagerly wait His promised return. The kids are eagerly waiting for "Baby Jesus", but we watch for a King. Not only do I eagerly wait for His return, I eagerly wait to see glimpses of Him everyday of this season. We are anticipating His arrival this season by remembering things that He was called throughout scripture. Each day we have an ornament to hang that has a name or word on it describing Jesus. We read the verse where the word is found together and talk about them. It only takes a few minutes each day and I think it will keep our hearts turned toward the One this season is about. I hope you are eagerly waiting and anticipating a Savior this Christmas season. To help you and your family anticipate Him, I have a free gift for you - 12 Days of Expectation. I have included 12 ornaments with names of Jesus on them that you can print, cut out, punch a hole in and hang as well as 12 cards to go along with them with the scripture references that describe Jesus. The verse cards should fit easily into an inexpensive 4x6 photo album (I got mine at Dollar Tree, but they have them at several places) so that you can keep them together for easy reference. After Christmas you can store the ornaments inside too! Don't forget to ask questions to foster discussion in your family, these simple discussions plant long lasting seeds for years to come. For example, one ornament has the words "Wonderful Counselor". Have someone in your family hang the ornament, and someone read the verse from the card. Then, ask your family what a counselor is and let them give feedback. A counselor is someone who gives us advice and instruction. Someone we can confide in. We can confide in Jesus, and the advice and direction He gives us is always wonderful. After your discussion, close by reading the verse one more time. If you begin the 12 Days of Anticipation on December 14, you will have a verse and an ornament for each day until Christmas Day. Just click on the links below the pictures to print out your Christmas gift from my family to yours! 
Merry Christmas!
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