I like professional football. My heart is filled with excitement when August comes and the season is about to start. There is an anticipation for that day when players would dazzle us with their passing, running, and tackling skills.

     This anticipation reminds me of the periods the chuch has called Advent and Lent. Those times were supposed to be periods when Christians are called to an attitude of anticipation. It is an anticipation for God's coming to us to save us from our greatest enemies, sin and death. Those times of anticipation culminates on Christmas and Easter, days that are supposed to fill Christians with joy and hope. Joy that God loved us so much that he sent his only son to die in our place, thereby securing eternal life for those who believe in his son. Hope that someday God would again come to us to wipe away our tears and heal the wounds from our sufferings in life.

     It is a sad fact that the football season brings more joy for many than Christmas and Easter. People talk about the things they give up on lent, taking pride in fulfilling their duries, instead of reflecting on the new life that God gives to those who follow Jesus and his way of the cross. People become excited about the gifts they will get for Christmas, instead of finding joy in the gift that God gave the world, the presence of his son.

     I think about my daughter and her experience of Christmas and Easter. Many years from now, she will remember time with her mom and dad and the rest of her family, and how she was showered with gifts on Christmas. She will remember the traditions of Easter, the egg-hunts and the re-telling of the passion and resurrection of Jesus.

     My prayer is that Christmas may not just be a time for nostalgia, and the joys and stresses of the gift-giving season, but a time to reflect on the greatest gift God gave human beings. My prayer is that the story of Easter may not just be a remembrance of an old story that happened many years ago, but a time to remember and find joy in what her Savior and Lord has done. May the celebrations of the great Christian salvation events (Christmas and Easter) be a constant anchor for her soul, giving her hope amidst the joys and sufferings of life.