God's Word For You is a free Bible Study site committed to bringing you studies firmly grounded in the Bible – the Word of God. Holding a reformed, conservative, evangelical perspective this site affirms that God has provided in Jesus Christ his eternal Son, a way of salvation in which we can live in his presence guilt free, acquitted and at peace.

 
 

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS

When we were children ‘waiting for Christmas’ seemed such a long time! But the older we grow the quicker each year seems to fly - so quickly that the concept of ‘waiting for Christmas’ doesn’t enter our heads. We are so busy, our moments are so crowded, that we can hardly believe that ‘it’s nearly Christmas’ again.

But ‘waiting for Christmas’ has a long history, almost as long as time itself. ‘Christmas’ is embedded in the Word of God, right from the very first promise.

Abel was murdered because he was ‘waiting for Christmas’.

Enoch was taken from this life, waiting for Christmas.

Noah preached righteousness, built the ark, survived the flood, and died, waiting for Christmas.

Abraham left his home, went to a strange country to live, and trusted the promise of God, waiting for Christmas.

All of these spent their whole lives ‘waiting for Christmas’.

Jacob blessed his sons as he died, because he was waiting for Christmas.

Moses chose rejection rather than royalty, because he was waiting for Christmas.

Gideon, Samson, David, Samuel – all were strengthened and empowered, because they were waiting for Christmas.

All of these, and many more, some who conquered, some who were mistreated, lived their lives for God and for his glory – because they were ‘waiting for Christmas’.

Many prophets and kings longed to catch just a glimpse, and to hear just the faintest whisper, of the Christmas for which they waited.

The Old Testament prophets searched diligently and carefully, waiting for Christmas.

Even the angels were waiting for Christmas.

Not one of these understood what Christmas was all about, but they knew it was something wonderful, something powerful, something worth waiting for.

Simeon, moved by the Holy Spirit, went to the temple courts, waiting to see God’s salvation, waiting for Christmas.

Anna spent all her days in the temple, worshipping day and night, fasting, praying – waiting for redemption, waiting for Christmas.

These two had read the Scriptures, these two were moved by God to know that there was not much time left, not much more waiting for Christmas.

Mary and Joseph spent nine months, treasuring the words of the angel Gabriel, remembering the age-long promises of God through all the Scriptures, waiting for Christmas.

Then Christmas came.

The child was born, the Son was given – the Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace, the Everlasting Father. Immanuel, God with us. Now, there is no more waiting.

No more waiting for Christmas.

Scriptures: Genesis 3:15; Hebrews 11:4-13; 11:21-40; Luke 10:23,24; 1Peter 2:10-12; Luke 2:25-35, 36-38; Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:20-25; Isaiah 9:6.

 

© Rosemary Bardsley 2014, 2020