Is. 40:31 – but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
My brother Eddie went to heaven last Tuesday, he was only 58 years old; life is short, eternity is real. He was a Christian, a husband, and a father. Today’s scripture was one of his favorites. For many people waiting is a waste of precious time, not for a Christian. God works for us and in us while we wait.
Of course I have been thinking about my brother this week, he really loved Christmas. As a child he was so excited about his gifts each year, as an adult he loved the giving part of Christmas. I remember Eddie as a child and I can’t help but think of that Chipmunk Christmas song. I guess it kinda sums up how we all felt growing up.
Christmas, Christmas time is near
Time for toys and time for cheer
We’ve been good, but we can’t last
Hurry Christmas, hurry fast
Want a plane that loops the loop
Me, I want a hula hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don’t be late.
But like Paul says, “when I became a man I put away childish things”. We are still in the waiting business, still waiting on Christmas but for far different reasons. Now we are waiting for that special day of celebration, the day that remembers when the eternal Word became flesh. As we wait, we are reflecting on the goodness of the Lord, we are also reflecting on the Blessed Hope, the Second Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here is how Charles Wesley expressed it in the 1700’s.
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Christmas won’t be late, it never is; neither will the Second Coming. He will arrive right on time. Until He comes enjoy the wait.