Tuesday 23 December 2014

...anticipation



I'm sitting in our living room this morning with a hot mocha in a favourite mug, just enjoying the soft glow of our Christmas tree and the hush that still rests over the house.  The kids are sleeping in (one of their long- awaited holiday pleasures) and a quiet anticipation of my own fills the stillness of this moment.  

It's advent --the season of waiting, anticipating, longing.  In two short days, Christians all over the globe will celebrate together the coming of our Saviour, Jesus.    

But this moment, right here, is about the waiting, the believing that something good is still on the way.  It is about remembering the promise of hope for the all the nations, the promise of hope for me and for you. In every sorrow, in every question, in every hardship, there is assurance that help and salvation is on the way.

"5 My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. My hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and the One Who saves me. He is my strong place. I will not be shaken. My being safe and my honor rest with God. My safe place is in God, the rock of my strength. Trust in Him at all times, O people. Pour out your heart before Him. God is a safe place for us." Psalm 62:5-8

  
I love to imagine how all those years ago, in the presence of humble shepherds lying out under the stars with their sheep, a mighty angel of the Lord appeared and lit up the entire landscape with the shining presence and glory of God.  His appearance alone would have made anyone tremble in fear and amazement.  But the the good news he proclaimed, how could they have known it would not only blaze in their own hearts forever, but that it would ignite the heart of every believer down through the ages? Can you imagine what it would have been like?  The heavens radiant with God's presence and a thunderous chorus of praise filling the skies....all of it to announce the coming  of one who would save, who would love, who would lay his life down so we could really live.  
"...Don't be afraid!" he said.  "I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone!  The Savior --yes, the Messiah, the Lord-- has been born tonight in Bethlehem!  How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket lying in a manger!"  Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others--the armies of heaven--praising God:"Glory to God in the Highest heaven," they sang, "and peace on earth for all those pleasing him."
Luke 2:10-14 (TLB Living Bible)

My wish for you and I is that we would treasure these last moments of waiting before Christmas day arrives.  That we would acknowledge our needs, and revel in the hope of a Saviour and provider who promises to meet us right where we need him most, and every other space in between.  My prayer for you comes from the beautiful words of Ephesians 1: 19-21 (TLB. TheLivingBible):


19" I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe him. It is that same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in heaven, 21 far, far above any other king or ruler or dictator or leader. Yes, his honor is far more glorious than that of anyone else either in this world or in the world to come."

Love, Hope, Joy and a Merry Christmas to you all,

Melody