Christmas season for me as a child was an incredible lesson in learning to wait. First, I had to wait for the Sears catalog to come to the house so I could circle everything I wanted. Then, I had to wait for Christmas break to begin while I simultaneously waited and hoped for that first snow to fall. Next, I had to wait for Christmas morning to come. I would be so excited that I could hardly sleep!
However, the worst thing – the absolutely hardest thing I had to wait for was for my parents to get their cups of coffee before we could start opening the presents. That was excruciating for a child! We would sit trying to guess what was in each gift while the coffee pot brewed the coffee slower than molasses. Finally, the moment would come. With their cups of fresh coffee in their hands, Christmas would begin.
As an adult, I still get just as excited for Christmas to come. Only now it’s for different reasons. I look forward to the church services, the waiting and anticipating of Christmas music to come on the radio, and for Christmas morning so I can celebrate the greatest gift of all – the one not wrapped in wrapping paper but wrapped in swaddling cloths.
The celebration of the gift of Jesus Christ is always worth the wait.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.” Romans 8:18-19
Reflection
How has the Christmas season changed for you since Christ has been in your life?
Raelyn Pracht 