Sometimes the best thing about Christmas is the anticipation. When the day actually comes, it passes all too quickly … often leaving warm memories mingled with unrealized hopes and let down.
The real Christmas story follows a similar pattern…
Continued from Children Waiting
Finally Here!
After 400 long years, the silence was broken by unkind rumors and the cry of a baby. Local shepherds and wise men from the East took turns worshiping the child whose birthplace was predicted by a prophet, announced by angels, and marked by a mysterious star in the sky.
But the day passed quickly, followed by a threat on the the child’s life, a quick trip out of the country, and then a return to obscurity.
Thirty years later, the son of promise turned water to wine at a wedding party and then traveled from town to town doing good and giving hope to the poorest and most troubled of people. Crowds of excited people followed him until religious leaders became envious of His influence. Instead of using His power to overthrow His enemies, the teacher said He had come to die.
In a stunning turn of events, family leaders spread false rumors about the teacher. They accused him of trying to overthrow the government and called for his death. On a holiday that celebrated their national freedom, an angry mob unknowingly subjected the king they had been waiting for to a public execution.
No words could express what was happening in the heart of the king’s mother as she collapsed in the arms of another son. But as she gasped and groaned, she heard once again the voice of an old prophet who had said at her child’s temple dedication, ”This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy to many others. Thus, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”
For Conversation: Would you agree that the emotions that often change so dramatically between Christmas morning… and evening… are a picture of our own journey of faith?
The joy of the received gift of God is followed by emotional let down and trouble…
Trouble comes with the promise that the best is yet to come…
A passing day has been replaced with the anticipation of unending joy…
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