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"But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Many years ago, our very young son was managing to sit up pretty steadily on a small blanket as his slightly older sister pulled him along the floor, round and round the dining room table. She was giving him a steady stream of instructions, “pick up the teddy bear and make him look under the table, now have him wave to me and then turn him around.” None of these directions were being followed and she looked over at me and sighed, “Oh, I can’t wait until he’s old enough to do everything I tell him.” To my knowledge, she’s still waiting.
What are you waiting for this Christmas season? Some of us may just be waiting for it to be over. There’s so much to do, so many claims on our attention and time and money. Others may be waiting for inspiration to strike. What would be the perfect gift for a family member or friend? All of us may be waiting for the “glad tidings” of Christmas to catch our attention and wrap us in comfort and joy.
A contemporary Christmas carol suggests “Christ is born…the child of peace and sacrifice is waiting to be found.” This caught my attention. It’s not just that I’m waiting for Christmas to finally get here, but Jesus is waiting for me to notice what the season is all about. Let’s listen for the angels, let’s think of that stable in Bethlehem and marvel at what God has done. Another carol invites us to “rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing” while yet another assures us, “the time is near, Love, the guest, is on the way.”
Carols quoted: “In Bethlehem a Babe Was Born,” “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear,” “People Look East.”
Dear God, It’s so easy to lose sight of your Christmas message as we are caught up in messages and messes of our own. Help us to welcome the gift of your Son with joy and to share that joy and hope and love with our neighbors. Amen.
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