Waiting

Rarely do things go exactly as planned. I imagine by the time you read this, you’ll have had a Christmas party or event that you’ve attended. I’ve had multiple already this year and look forward to several more. And each one, as enjoyable as they can be, often doesn’t go as smoothly as we’d hope. Whether a present gets forgotten or someone gets sick or the food doesn’t come out exactly as planned. And, usually, they’re pretty small and easily overcome. But sometimes, it seems, those small frustrations can pile on top of each other.
And it’s in the times when there seems to be so much to do and so little time that our patience wears thin and we’re just scrambling to catch up. And I had several of those events this past week. And as frustrating as they were, in the end, it all worked out fine. In fact, in some cases, it worked out better. It seems all too often that when we get annoyed or anxious about things not going right it’s all wasted emotion.
And I was reminded again this week about God’s people right before Jesus was born. For 400 years those people hadn’t heard from God. And for the history of God’s people, that was a pretty long period of silence. They had been given promises, prophecies, about a Messiah that was coming. And they waited...and waited…and waited and it just never seemed to happen. I imagine, because of what was happening in their country and around them, they were getting more than anxious!
And they tried to get things going on their own in various ways and through various leaders. These leaders caused stirrings and even gathered large followings to push their agenda. But each one failed to accomplish what they wanted. And so, I can only imagine, they felt anxious and alone and even angry.
But just like for us, the timing worked out perfectly. The conditions had to be perfect in order for God’s plan to work out. God’s people had to be ready. The world had to be ready. And it was at just the perfect time that Jesus stepped into this world.
And we know the impact this little baby had on the world, right? That he came and taught and healed and restored and revealed and ultimately saved all of humanity, really all of creation. But the timing had to be just right. The timing had to be God’s.
And all that anxiety and worry and doubt and fear that the people felt was worthless because of Jesus. And for me, this Christmas season, I want to remember that, too. All of my anxiety, worry, doubt and fear is wasted because of Jesus. He took care of what was essential, so I pray we can trust him with the rest. God bless.