How many times have you and I heard it — how many more days until Christmas? how much longer? will Christmas morning ever be here?
Those questioning sentences rolled off the tongues of my children over and over for years. The anticipation of Christmas morning seemed so far off. The waiting seemed endless as they counted down. Their high hopes made the days slower.
Maybe you and I have rushed days because as the year rolls by we forget to wait in expectation of the coming of Jesus. We busy ourselves with the daily chores and to-do’s and life screams by like a race car out of control.
Anticipating the coming.
It’s in the slowing down and waiting that Jesus comes. He comes when we sit still reading His word — his love letter. He comes when we are interrupted to help a stranger. From story to story in the gospels we always see how he spread his love lavishly on those who stood waiting for his coming.
But who wants to wait these days? Not I — waiting is hard. It’s a whirlwind society where everything is quick, fast, and instantaneous. We’ve forgotten how to slow and wait. We take charge of our schedules, our lives, and everything else we can. And when we’re in charge there’s no need to anticipate the coming Savior and his miracles.
So this season I practiced slow. Some days it was hard and then some it felt quite right. I gathered with friends and we counted down days through scripture reliving this coming of the newborn King and lighting one candle after another. And there was something so peaceful to this Advent.
Jesus was in these moments. His presence hung as a thick fog over our souls as we gathered and practiced the virtue of patience. Quick answers didn’t come to our prayers, they were slow if they even came at all. Woe to this patience of waiting.
The wonder of Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve comes but only once a year. And I wonder how it would be if we woke every day with the same joy and anticipation that this day brings?
Because can we be real here — we are all anticipating something . . . love, answers, toys, provisions, health, jobs. Oh how we know the art of waiting too well.
It was late one Christmas Eve and I had extra gifts and decided to head to the Salvation Army to see if there were children there. The streets were quiet as a hush had fallen over the city. Maybe all were tucked in their beds soundly already?
Entering the Salvation Army doors a young girl came running up and jumped in my arms. Her hugs were endless. She didn’t know me, nor I her. I don’t think she even noticed I came bringing gifts. She was just excited to be remembered — to be seen.
I’ll never forget her smile and tight hugs.
Her actions were shouting, I’m so glad you remembered me. I’m not invisible — I’m loved. Someone does care.
Choking back tears, I delivered the gifts as I laughed and giggled with the children. And driving away that night my heart was full. Full of Christ. Full of Christmas.
Non of us are created to feel invisible and unworthy. And maybe that’s the heart of Christmas. The gift we are all waiting for.
Christmas — Love coming to earth to dwell with his people.
The newborn King is coming to remind you and I that we are not alone. That even when we can’t see him in the waiting, he is here. And when we are least expecting it, he will show up bearing the perfect answer and gift to say — you are noticed and loved.
When all the presents are delivered and unwrapped, isn’t LOVE the greatest gift you and I are longing for.
