“Gentlemen, start your engines!”

For many of us in the U.S., yesterday it began — the race to Christmas. While the turkey roasted, we put out snacks on the counter, turned on football and let it play in the background, and pulled out Christmas decorations from the closet. Before the day was done, some of us might have been heard humming, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”

Cue the anticipation.

Anticipation . . . that’s what came to mind as I finished up my readings in Daniel and Jude this morning.

Daniel concludes his writings with detailed visions of what his heaven-sent interpreters refered to as “the time of the end.” The time when the kingdom promised will be the kingdom present (Dan. 2:44). The “appointed time” (Dan. 11:35) when “many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to eternal life, and some to disgrace and eternal contempt” (Dan. 12:2). The time when “those who have insight will shine like the bright expanse of the heavens” (Dan. 12:3a).

Daniel knew he was counted among those who have insight. So, I imagine, Daniel couldn’t wait for the time.

But Daniel also had a question. “How long until the end of these wondrous things?” (Dan. 12:6b). Though he had a lot of information, he confessed that, “I heard but did not understand”; and so, he asks again, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?” (Dan. 12:8). When will it be? Are we there yet?

The table had been set, but Daniel wanted to know when the main course would be served. The race to the end had begun, but Daniel wanted to know when he’d see the final finish line. The promise had been presented, but Daniel wanted to know when he’d be able to open the gift. To which Daniel was told:

“But as for you, go on your way to the end; you will rest, and then you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance at the end of the days.”

(Daniel 12:13 CSB)

It’s been about 2,600 years since Daniel was told to go on his way while he waited in anticipation for his allotted inheritance at the end of the days. Talk about your anticipation. If that’s not the nth degree of what it means to patiently, expectantly, and eagerly await to open gifts, I don’t know what is.

Like I said, for many of us yesterday marked the beginning of an annual entrance into a season of anticipation. Sure, it’ll probably be too busy, too hectic, and with too many calories, but let the anticipation begin! Every day we count down to that 25th day of December can be reminder that we are counting down to the promised day of our full deliverance. Our allotted inheritance awaits!

For now, though, we go on our way. Eagerly waiting, even as we seek to faithfully walk. Wanting so bad to participate in “the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:9) because we have already tasted and seen that the Lord is good (Ps. 34:8). Ready for faith to give way to sight (2Cor. 5:6-8). Ready to go from knowing in part to fully knowing, from seeing in a mirror dimly to being face-to-face (1Cor. 13:12).

So, let’s do it. Let the countdown to Christmas 2023 begin. Let the countdown to Christ’s return, and the culmination of His kingdom come, be rekindled.

And Jude reminds me this morning, we can await the time of the end with a divine confidence.

Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, without blemish and with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen.

(Jude 24-25 CSB)

Gentlemen . . . gentle women . . . start your engines. Let the anticipation begin. Let the anticipation be refreshed.

Because of God’s amazing grace. Only for God’s all-deserving glory.