Every year the buildup and anticipation for the coming of Christmas is a part of most of our lives. Retailers anticipate the holiday to get their business back in the black. Families look forward to Christmas to enjoy special dinners and celebrate traditions and reunions. And of course, children can’t wait for the presents under the tree.
That first Christmas witnessed several people who were looking forward to the birth of the Messiah. In Luke 2:25 Simeon was said to be: “a man in Jerusalem who was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel…” The “consolation of Israel” was the coming of the Messiah that was predicted by the prophets. Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist was visited by the angel Gabriel and told in Luke 1:13: “But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John”. His prayer was for more than a son, I believe it was also for the Messiah that his son would announce. One more person who was waiting for Christmas was Mary. She waited 9 long months for her son to be born. When Jesus finally arrived on the scene God sent a welcoming party of angels to announce the arrival of Christmas.
Waiting for Christmas should mean so much more than celebrations, gifts, and profit. Joseph was told by the angel to name him Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). The coming of Christ means that we can be saved from our sins. The coming of Christmas means an arrival of lasting joy. The angels told the shepherds that the baby’s arrival would be good tidings of great joy to all people (Luke 2:10). The angelic choir also announced that this baby would bring peace (Luke 2:14).
I am so glad that no matter how many days until Christmas we do not have to wait at all. Jesus has already arrived and brought us those lasting gifts of salvation, joy, and peace.