Waiting For Christmas Cookies
One
of the highlights in our home during the Christmas season is Kim’s baking,
especially the cookies. Some years she
may try one or two different cookies, but every year there are some cookies
that are standard fare for our family. Two of my favorites are the Greek butter
cookies called, kourambides, and the Scandinavian almond bars. Each one goes perfectly with a cup of
coffee. And, each one seems to make our
house seem just a little bit more like Christmas.
So,
about this time in the Christmas season I’m looking forward to coming home one
day, being met by a delicious aroma at the front door, and finding Kim by the
oven pulling out a tray of Christmas cookies.
I’m looking forward to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day when I can
finally sink my teeth into any one of the cookies that have been baked for the
holiday. Yes, I am waiting for my
Christmas cookies. Actually, I’m looking
forward with great expectation and anticipation to my Christmas cookies. I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but I
think I really mean that!
On
the first Christmas, however, the people of Israel were waiting for and looking
forward to something much greater than cookies.
They were looking forward with great expectation to the coming of the
Messiah, the One who would be their savior.
Their eyes were watching for the signs of his coming. Their hearts were longing for his arrival and
the salvation he would bring. It is said of one man, Simeon, that, “He was waiting for the consolation of
Israel…(and) It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not
die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (Messiah)” (Luke 2:25, 26 – NIV)
And, then it happened. Mary and Joseph
brought the baby Jesus to the Temple.
Simeon’s eyes caught sight of the baby.
And, Simeon exploded in praise saying, “...my eyes have seen your salvation, which have prepared in the sight
of all people….” (Luke 2:30 – NIV) Simeon’s
waiting was over. The longing of his
heart had been met. He had seen his Messiah! Salvation had come!
Christmas
is a season filled with waiting, anticipation, longing, and expectation—for
cookies, for gifts, for family gatherings and candlelight services. But most all, Christmas is about how God has
met our deepest longings and brought our waiting to an end. The Messiah, the Savior--our Salvation--has
come. We can know him. We can experience
him. Through him we can receive forgiveness
of sin and the hope of life forever with God, our heavenly Father!
So,
as you wait for Christmas day and all the fun, festivities, and cookies that go
along with it, remember that through the coming of Jesus our waiting has been
brought to an end. You and I don’t have
to wait for another time or another season.
Salvation is here and his name is, Jesus!
Have
a great day!
Pastor
Tim Harris
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