Holy Waiting

Here we are again awaiting Christmas Day, a celebration of the birth of the Savior.  As I think back in
time, way back in time, to the BC era, I wonder how people waited and what they anticipated as they looked for a Savior.

Was the expectation so beyond their imaginations that at times they felt the prophecy was only a myth?  As their fathers and grandmothers taught the stories of the expected Messiah, did the words at times fall flat?  In everyday living, holding on to the expectation and the hope of being saved amidst significant persecution, had to be extremely difficult.  It's hard to wait and believe.  It's really difficult to rest in a waiting period without becoming tired, feeling foolish and perhaps turning cynical.  Who can truly save us, they may have pondered?  How can this mess of my life be 'righted' and made whole?  Many life experiences–famine, war, persecution–perhaps led them to feel the foolishness of belief in an unseen savior.

How faithful those Jewish believers were to keep teaching, to keep striving, to keep believing even when the days, the pains, the shattered dreams fell.  They clung to this hope and kept anticipating and kept preparing themselves for His arrival.

Now, we find ourselves on the other side.

We read eyewitness accounts of the Savior.  We continue to be taught the lessons and we've sung the ole familiar carols.  We anticipate.  We prepare.  We count the days.  

Since we have history on our side, and it's easy for us to believe, isn't it?

But what am I expecting?  Is my expectation too small?  Am I thinking of a Savior arriving in my world and in me?  Or am I anticipating packages and bows?  Am I focused on the perfect meal, the family dynamics, the schedule of parties?  What hope do I have in this Savior?

Is my waiting, Holy waiting?  Do I truly realize who this Savior is and what he longs to accomplish in me?

For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace

    there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne

    and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

    with justice and righteousness

    from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

    will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7

How am I anticipating His coming?  Do I realize the gift He has for you and me?  What is my role in accepting His gift?