Christmas Eve: Anticipation

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light…" - Isaiah 9:2, ESV

One of my favorite Christmas Eve memories took place over 40 years ago. My brother and I had attended the 11 PM Christmas Eve service at our church, and had returned home just before 1 AM Christmas morning. Our parents had long since gone to bed, so we plugged in the lights of the Christmas tree, poured ourselves a glass of wine, and sat in the living room, bathed in the light of the tree, looking at the presents under the tree in anticipation of opening them in just a few hours.

The people of Israel had long anticipated the coming of the Messiah. Just as we were looking at our presents, eager to open them for the treasures that lay within the boxes and wrapping, so too had Israel eagerly expected something they could not see, but deeply longed for. They had been promised a Savior, from the time of Moses through the prophets, with the prophet Isaiah giving them words that offered the most hope of redemption.

Christmas Eve is the culmination of that anticipation. An anticipation that is hopeful, not desperate. An anticipation that confirms our trust in God, and in His timing. A trust that assures us that even in the darkness, a light will shine.

O holy night

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

'Til He appeared, and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees

O hear the angel voices

O night divine, O night when Christ was born

O night divine, O night, O night divine

Just a thought: What are you waiting for God to complete in you this Christmas?