“Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple.” (Luke 1:21 NIV)
The Priest in the Temple had seen the Lord’s messenger and heard the Lord’s message but doubted the possibility of it becoming a reality. The Lord’s message? He and his wife would have a son who would “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (v. 17). His doubt came from his ability to see how such a thing could possibly happen since he and his wife were elderly and had never had any children.
Meanwhile the people are waiting outside for him to come out and send them away with blessings. Like all people everywhere, they become restless and wonder what is going on. Why is the priest dragging his feet? What could be taking so long?
We all think we know about waiting. Especially during the Christmas season. There’s post office lines when we mail our packages to distant friends and family. There’s a line at the florist when we order the floral centerpiece for our Christmas dinner table.
There’s waiting for the last bid on Ebay to see whether our bid wins the item or not. There’s waiting for the preacher to finish his sermon so we can get ahead of the Sunday lunch crowd. There’s waiting for the promotion at work. There’s waiting for the new baby to be born. There’s waiting for Christmas day to finally arrive. And there’s waiting to open all those packages under the tree with our names on them.
Yes, we know about waiting. Yet, the message of God — the promises of God — gives waiting a whole new meaning. God’s message births an intensity and expectation that points to hope. The birth of Christ and his promise to return both embody the hope of Christ’s coming. But we can only enjoy a fresh sense of wonder, joy, love, and peace, if we are waiting expectantly.
Dear Father, thank you for the hope we have in Christ’s birth and his return. Empower us with expectation and anticipation this Christmas. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today with anticipation of Christ’s coming,