This commercial was filmed sometime in the late 70's. Back in the day when eating at home was customary, and well.....just a LOT of things were different. Today, it seems we are all constantly waiting for something-bigger, better, different..... In a world where technology changes daily, our patience grows thinner and thinner. Before you know it, you will be complaining about a 5 minute wait in the drive through of a "fast food" restaurant. You, too? Yeah, it's ridiculous. We are NOT good models of patience.
As I got up this morning asking God to show me something about the Christmas story that was fresh, this is what He showed me. The anticipation of the wait and that the wait is worth it. Today is our last full day here on the shore. As I journaled this morning, I still recall sitting in this very room, pouring out my heart to God after He called us here. We had stayed in the parsonage during Sean's trial sermon weekend. The Monday morning after the church affirmed God's will for us to serve here, I got up early and had some sweet time with the Lord. I remember thanking Him for the call, the wait to come here, and His perfect timing in bringing us here. There have been many "waits" the past six years as I have seen God do amazing things in the lives of people and in my own life. It's been a beautiful thing. There's also things I've not yet seen come to fulfillment-difficult things. I'm STILL waiting. This morning, I did the same thing as that first day here, as I opened the Word. I thanked Him for the opportunity to serve here, looking back with gratitude and ahead with great anticipation because despite the difficulty of leaving, I trust His timing. You and I get to be part of God's story. God has a plan for our lives and doesn't just care about the little details....He carefully plans them and orchestrates it all for good. Doesn't that make you feel loved? Doesn't that give you great assurance in the wait? It absolutely blows my mind when I think of how He uses us- in our messes- for His glory-to point others to Him. One of my favorite sayings is, "Every 'no' is for a better 'yes.'"
The part of the Christmas story that stuck out to me this morning is a familiar one, and probably one of the sweetest to me. I've always loved the story of Simeon. A sweet old man who was waiting on a promise from God. He had been told by the Spirit that he would not die before he saw the Christ. The Holy Spirit led him to the temple where Jesus just happened to be brought in by his parents as they dedicated Him to the Lord. Interesting that Jesus was dedicated to Himself, don't ya think? Now there's something to think about....
Perfect timing. What we're all looking for. Someone to come through for us. Something to finally happen. And it's hard. Especially when we've waited a long time. A really long time. Especially when we feel alone in the wait. Especially when we see no deliverance in sight.
I wondered this morning how long Simeon had been waiting. Did he long for the Christ from childhood? As a man? Scripture says he wasn't just waiting. He was LOOKING FOR. If you are looking for something, don't you expect that it's there to find? Doesn't it mean you don't give up?
"And there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. "
What are you waiting for? How long have you been waiting? Have you all but given up hope? CHRISTmas is proof that there is always hope. I don't pretend to know whether God is going to answer your specific desire, but I CAN say with all certainty that He will answer You with love and a plan that is so perfect, that one day you will be able to praise Him for the wait. Israel's hope and wait was answered in the perfect timing of the arrival of Jesus on earth. His arrival brought the Redemption of many. He is our only Hope still today. What I find is that it isn't the thing that I'm waiting for that matters in the end. It's HIM. Trusting that my Savior will only bring what is true, good, and beneficial into my life and that He knows when is the best time for everything brings me peace to rest in Him more. I especially remember this when things don't happen as I want or on the tough days when I just can't understand His timing. I've learned a lot of lessons this past year about waiting through our adoption experience, so I can definitely testify to this.
Simeon would tell us it's worth the wait. He got to hold Jesus in his arms (can you even imagine?!) as he exclaimed, " Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your Word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a Light of Revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel." Luke 2:29-32
As you wait, remember the glory of CHRISTmas. Jesus, the promised One, your Deliverer. His birth is what brings Hope into reality for you. Your Father loves you and desires to give you blessings beyond what you could think to ask. He loves you enough to hold back harm-that you may not be able to see just yet. He also loves you enough to wait for the right time to bring those promises into your life.
"But when the *right time* came, God sent His Son Who was born of a woman and lived under the law. God did this so He could buy freedom for those who were under the law and so we could become His children. Since you are God's children, God sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, and the Spirit cries out, 'Father.' So now you are not a slave; you are God's child, and God will give you the blessing He promised, because you are His child." Galatians 4:4-7
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8
Remember- the taste is worth the wait.
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