The Anticipation of Christmas
Luke 2:8-12
“8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
From the time I was little I could not wait for Christmas morning to arrive. The minute I felt the first brisk morning at the end of October, the Christmas countdown began and as a result of Christmas on the horizon there was always work to be done. Lists had to be made and hints needed to be dropped to make sure that Christmas would be successful. The closer to Christmas I was the further away it felt. Then before I knew it Christmas morning had finally come. Bring on the gifts! The days to come would be full of joy as I express gratitude through playing with all that I had received.
When I think about the anticipation of Christmas I experienced as a child, it reminds me of the shepherds discussed in the book of Luke. They were in the field tending their sheep and out of nowhere an angel appeared. The angel revealed that the Messiah had finally arrived.
Up until this point in history God’s people had been anticipating a savior that would come and rescue them. The waiting felt like it would never end. But one evening the tension created by hundreds of years in waiting broke. He had arrived, Jesus was born. The greatest gift to humanity had arrived and these shepherds were eyewitnesses. This led the shepherds to express joy as they worshiped God for his goodness, grace and mercy.
I know that everyone has a different Christmas story but I do believe that almost everyone has experienced anticipation and the relief that comes with waiting resolved. This Christmas as you wait, think of all those that held their breath for the coming messiah and when that morning finally comes enjoy family and gifts but remember that Jesus is our greatest gift. That through him comes the forgiveness of sin and a relationship with the creator of the universe. Because of Jesus we have salvation, because of Jesus we have hope, because of Jesus we have joy, because of Jesus we have peace, and because of Jesus we can know what it means to be loved by our great God. Be encouraged because Christmas is a reminder that God has not forgotten us and that He is a God who is true to his word and always keeps His promises.
Merry Christmas BCC