Worth the Wait

Tonight is Christmas Eve…finally!  The weeks of waiting, of anticipating, of hoping — they are over.  The presents are wrapped and under the tree.  The baking is finished.  The ornaments and decorations were hung weeks ago.   The fourth advent candle has been lit. There is nothing more to do, or buy, or make.  The only thing left to attend to is the anxious longing of our hearts — is it time?  are we ready?  Is it Christmas yet?

Almost.  Almost.

But not yet.

It’s tempting to hurry these moments, to rush toward the promise of tomorrow, and to run headlong toward the presents and parties and the giddy excitement of the holiday.  But I won’t.  This is my last chance to anticipate.  It’s my last opportunity for contemplation and introspection.

The kids are running on pure energy — to say they are bouncing off the walls is no exaggeration.  My husband has retreated to his study, in pursuit of a few quiet moments as he prepares his heart and mind to lead our church in celebration.  Although we each express it differently, we are all watching and waiting in joyful expectation.  Tonight we will gather with our congregation to welcome with joy the arrival of the Christ child.  There will be songs, and joy, and the smell of candles and flowers.  I can hardly wait.

But I will, because I know it will be all the more appreciated when it finally happens.

Merry Almost Christmas everyone!  Remember, He is worth the wait…

To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
-Luke 2:11