When you really think about it, some of our Christmas traditions are weird. We hang socks over our fireplace…then, we fill them with candy. We put a dead tree in our living room…then, we decorate it with colorful glass balls. We put raw eggs into a beverage…then, we drink it. All of this stuff is weird, but one tradition stands above them all as the most frustrating. Wrapped gifts under the tree.

Do you remember being tortured as a kid by questions about that large gift chilling in your living room? You had to sit in the same room with it every day, but you had no idea what it was. All you could do was study its shape because its edges were being hugged by wrapping paper covered in elves. You’d observe it. You’d shake it. You’d listen to it. Maybe you’d even attempt to cut the crease with a razor for a sneak peek and then tape it back together (don’t do that).

Then finally on Christmas day, you would run directly towards that mammoth gift, tear it open, and scream with excitement when you finally saw it face to face. It was exactly what you wanted. All the waiting was over— here it was. The anticipation made the wait all the more worth it. When we think of the Christmas story, our minds go straight to baby Jesus in a manger surrounded by livestock. Yes, that is a major part of it. However, let’s reflect on something else in this first discussion— the waiting.

Doesn’t this promise sound amazing? The ancient Israelites lived in a time of unbearable war and bloodshed. They didn’t even live in their own land because violence forced them out as refugees. They were in constant fear of violence. They didn’t know where they would spend the month, let alone the next year. They didn’t know when their sons would be called out to battle. Then, the prophet Isaiah promised a Prince of Peace. That is exactly what they needed! A king who was going to bring peace to the world. All of the Earth will rest on His shoulders, and He is going to rule fairly and lovingly. The Israelites were ready for this promised prince.

Did it happen immediately? No.

100 years passed.

200 years passed.

300 years passed.

Over 600 years passed before Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

God made a promise, but that promise took some time before it came to pass. This Christmas season, I encourage you to wait well because you will spend a lot of time waiting. Perhaps you’re waiting on packages you ordered on Black Friday. Maybe you are waiting on a breakthrough or a certain situation to start making sense. You are waiting on your relationships to improve. You are waiting on a cure. You are waiting on a miracle, but God just seems still. Sometimes walking with God requires waiting. I can assure you of this: Christmas reminds us that God will come through. God’s promises will come to pass. However, God’s promises do not have to follow your proposed timeline. Pray and ask God to help you to wait well. Your waiting will turn into wonder. Your confusion will turn into clarity.

The wait will be worth it.

By: J Garrell, Circle Devotions