The “pregnant pause” pictures itself in words. It calls to mind the final days before the anticipated birth of a child, full of promise but not yet here. Everything done in preparation is based on the hope of the future, though the hope has not yet been made sight.
There may be beautifully wrapped packages beneath a light-studded tree inside your home today. Each box captures the promise of the celebration and joy to come, but for now it waits for that moment of unwrapping.
So much of life is wrapped in packages awaiting the moment of reveal, longing for the next gift to be unbound. The newborn baby, a much-needed job, the one you will choose to spend life with, the graduation, the healing from sickness, the hope of being together with loved ones again.
All of creation celebrated such a gift with the Messiah’s birth. With bated breath, angels paused their heavenly service to watch for the upsweep of the conductor’s baton that would signal their moment of song. Old Testament prophets wrote the details of His birth centuries before. Zacharias, Simeon, and Anna watched for His coming. The long-awaited gift would come wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. He was here, but the waiting was not over.
Next would be the waiting for His ministry to begin. Soon, the tortured waiting of Gethsemane, followed by the fearful hours of His death and burial. Angels again stood still until the signal was given to report the long-awaited news. He Is Risen!
But the waiting is still not over. Now the hope of His final return lies enwrapped within the hope of every believer. This is the “pregnant pause” all of creation currently resides within.
Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
While God makes ready the unwrapping of the soon return of Jesus, we make ready our own gift in preparation. Faith is our gift back to Him. It can only grow in the waiting, for once faith is made sight, it is no longer faith.
What is faith?
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith is the tangible result of an inward thought process. (James 2:20)
Faith chooses joy in the most difficult circumstances. (James 1:2-4)
Faith is a life lived by the Word of God. (Titus 2:12-14)
Faith prioritizes the eternal, rather than the temporary. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
Faith is the only way to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
If Christmas finds you in a place of waiting, you are in good company. Take heart and keep nourishing the gift you will give back to Him!
How will you choose to spend the time within this “pregnant pause?”
Here are some practical places to start:
A daily Bible reading plan
A daily scheduled prayer time. (The Bible says pray without ceasing, but it helps us to have a plan, so we don’t forget to pray.)
Faithful church attendance
A place of service, whether in person or by praying for those who are serving.
Choosing contentment in whatever state you are in.
Practicing daily gratitude for God’s blessings
Participating in the Spirit’s plan for your life, whatever that may be.
Loving those God has placed in your life and in your daily path.
Caring for the souls of those around you, and speaking to them of the hope Christ offers.
These are just a few that came to my mind. What would you add to this list? Looking forward to hearing from you! Have a blessed Holiday season, my friends!
His Song in the Night 