The Season of Waiting

By: Joanne Viola

The time of Advent is now upon us. It’s the time of waiting for an arrival – the arrival of our Savior into this world. This world which is broken, divided, and longing for an answer.

In considering the Christmas story recently, my thoughts focused on each of the people involved in the Christmas story and the part they each played.

Joseph:

“Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.” (Luke 2:4-5, NASB)

Joseph, who would fill the role of Jesus’ earthly father, took care of his family. He tended to the business which required them to be in Bethlehem. He was there to register him and Mary. Was he overwhelmed as he realized he had a family to take care of, to protect, and provide for?

Mary:

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7, NASB)

Mary, the mother of Jesus tended to wrapping her newborn to assure His comfort and safety. Did she look in wonder at Him as He lay there, snuggled in swaddling? Did she breathe in the smell of His sweet head, taking in those precious newborn scents? Or did she simply bask in His Presence in wonder and amazement that He had come, just as was promised?

The Shepherds:

“When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us” … When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.” (Luke 2:15 & 17, NASB)

The shepherds had to go see for themselves what had been told to them by the angels. Once discovering the baby in a manger, they went to make it known the Child had come. They could not keep the news to themselves.

The Wise Men:

“After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11, NASB)

These wise men, often called the magi, also came to see. Their response was to fall to the ground and worship Him. Then they presented their gifts to Him.

Each one was unique to the story. Each had a role as Jesus came into this world. They would each become known throughout history. They would be sung about, portrayed in church plays, and be remembered for all time.

But it all began with their response.

Advent.
The time of reflecting as we wait.
How will we respond?

 

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash