I generally laugh when some of the Pepto Bismol commercials come on the television.  You have surely have heard their jingle about, “Nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea.” I’m laughing as I write this, as it does make me giggle when I watch the actors’ antics, while they sing the jingle. The ailments that are sung about however are not so funny.  Sometimes excitement and eager anticipation can cause more than just butterflies in your stomach; indigestion or even nausea may occur pending a long expected, exciting event.

How did Mary feel?  She was due to give birth, had just traveled days, walking and riding a donkey to reach Bethlehem.  She was a young soon-to-be-mother who knew she had been chosen by God to deliver the world’s Messiah. My guess is her jitters, maybe even nausea, was constant as Jesus’ birth was eminent. No room at the inn and no Pepto available.  She was carrying and expecting our Emmanuel, Savior, Lord of Lords, and King of Kings.

As the season of Advent begins its fourth week, our anticipation of the celebration of Christ’s birth is days away. You, more than likely, know your Lord and the story of His birth, but still every year you renew the celebration with anxiousness, eagerness and maybe even an upset stomach as the Advent season culminates at Christmas. Your stomach butterflies are fluttering as the single digit countdown nears its end.

Share the good news of this Season and His unconditional love for us.   May the preparations for His joyous birth be filled with great expectancy!

Jill