Waiting for Christmas!

Do you remember what it was like waiting for Christmas when you were a child? For my siblings and me, it was a long, long wait. The month of December seemed to drag on and on, especially that last week leading up to Christmas. We couldn’t wait for Christmas to arrive when we would all hurry downstairs to the Christmas tree and find the gifts that had our names on them. It felt like we were forever waiting for Christmas.  And, since we opened our presents on Christmas morning, the night between Christmas eve and Christmas morning felt like the longest night of the year! 

In fact, one year my younger brother Chris (he was about seven at the time) just couldn’t make it through the night.  Somewhere between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. he snuck downstairs to peek at the tree. Upon seeing the gifts under the tree, he got so excited that he came back upstairs, woke each of us up, urging us to get downstairs. Soon, long before the sun was coming up, the whole family was around the Christmas tree opening up gifts. Then, I believe somewhere around 6:00 a.m., we all climbed back into bed to catch up on some of the sleep we had missed! At that point, however, we rested well for Christmas had come!

For centuries, the Hebrew prophets such as Isaiah had foretold of the birth of the one who would be their Messiah.  They told of a baby who would come and be “Emmanuel”—i.e. “God with us.” They told of a child who would be “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”—i.e. God in the flesh!  When he came, he would bring light into darkness, justice would replace injustice, and righteousness would conquer wickedness.  He would “proclaim good news to the poor…bind up the brokenhearted …proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness the prisoners.” This one for whom they were waiting would come and “proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”  It’s no wonder they awaited his coming with such longing in their hearts. 

Then one night it happened. The Christ was born! The angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests!” (Luke 2:14) The shepherds, after having seen the baby Jesus went back to their fields “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen….”  (Luke 2:20) And, the old man Simeon, the one of whom it was written was “waiting for the consolation of Israel,” upon seeing the baby Jesus declared, “For my eyes have seen your salvation…a light for the revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”  (Luke 2:30, 32) The Messiah and Savior of mankind had arrived!

I trust that during this Christmas season you will understand the great blessing of knowing that Jesus our Savior and Messiah has been born, bringing with him the salvation of God. No more waiting. Christmas has come!

Have a great day and a blessed Christmas!

Pastor Tim Harris