As I sit today and contemplate that Christmas is one week away, my mind is full of so many memories. I don’t think we ever forget the memories of our childhood Christmas. Even though I am 60 years old, my mind takes me back to the expectation I had to wake up on Christmas morning and see what Santa had brought me. I was the youngest of 4 children and the only boy. (Yes I was spoiled but it was well deserved) Some years, we would have to wait for my Dad to arrive home from a long night at work on Christmas Eve. That seemed like such a long time of waiting. Not to mention once he got home, he was slow about getting in the living room so we could finally come down! We had no idea the price that was paid by our parents to make that day so special. Waiting!
Then, years later, I had five kids of my own. Wow, who knew Santa had so much work to do, especially on Christmas Eve? We would just get things finished wrapping and in place, take a picture of a quiet Christmas tree, and then head to bed. That time of night when all was quiet and no one was stirring was always my favorite time. Wondering, would they like what we got? Did we get what they wanted? How will we pay for some of it when the charge cards come due? A couple of hours later, 5 kids were waiting. I have to admit, I did get a little joy out of taking my time and making them wait a few more minutes. Santa was exhausted! I watched the expression of each of them as they were able to receive what they had been waiting for. Nothing is better for a parent than seeing your sacrifice, hard work, and savings be met with such anticipation. Yet, they had no idea the price that had been paid for that morning to happen. They didn’t understand the investment of time, energy, and selflessness.
What about you? What is your expectation this December? What are you waiting on this year? It would be wonderful if on Christmas morning we could wake up and all would be well in our world. Our waiting season would be over because a man in a red suit had come and fixed everything. No more struggle. No more sickness. No more brokenness. No more depression. No more hurt. No more disappointment. And lastly, no more rejection.
But wait! That is exactly what happened over 2,000 years ago. The greatest gift ever given was wrapped in such a simple way. Clothed with the humanity of this world. His shoulders were created to carry each of the things I listed before. For unto us, a Son is born! Perhaps we have spent too much time waiting for something else. Something new to come and fix things. What if we simply unwrapped the gift that was given, the gift of Christ? We too, fail to understand and appreciate the sacrifice that went into that event. The Father being willing to give His son. The Son was willing to come to this place called Earth. Mary’s yes! Joseph’s willingness to become a Dad to the Savior. All of it cost something. There was a price to pay, but when it was paid, it was paid in full.
I plan on spending some extra time this week in all the hustle and bustle to spend some time, worshiping the one who came to change everything. I never tire of reminding myself that “all is calm and all is bright”. If you are in a waiting season, know that your gift will come. But until then, do not forget the gift we already have. Let Emmanuel, fill your heart and mind with His peace as you wait.
