I think this is one of my favorite pictures from this season. It was a USAToday photo of the day on Saturday.

I love the looks on the faces of the children. The attitude of expectancy. But look at the man, he is looking for someone. The children are too, maybe. But the person they are looking for is more magical … almost as if s/he were Santa Claus. The man, however, he is looking for a real someone. I wonder who.

I want to approach God that way. With wonder. With expectancy. With the knowledge that He is here and now … and not yet, but coming soon. That I can light candles that will push back some darkness and allow Him some space in the here. And then, I look again at the photo and I see caution in their faces too. So, I’d like some apprehension as well.  It doesn’t do to approach the Throne of Grace as if it were a chair in a barbershop.

Yes, I’ll continue to gaze with these children in wonder and expectancy, with a little apprehension … waiting, watching, hoping for day the world will be redeemed.