The Long-Awaited One

Advent Day 1

So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. Matthew 1:17

            The anticipation of the long-awaited Messiah had ebbed and flowed over these forty-two generations. Those who went into the Babylonian captivity were there because they had stopped expecting the Messiah. Like many of us, their expectations fell to what they could see, hear, and hold in their hands. So God sent Himself in a way that could be seen, heard, touched, and held in waiting arms. The God of creation constrained Himself into the womb of a poverty-stricken mother and made Himself like those who awaited Him. The Messiah came long expected, yet unexpected.

            The anticipation of Christmas can sometimes distract us to focus on what we can see, hear, and hold in our hands today. Like generations before us, we forget the anticipation of His coming, for He has promised His return since those short years when time marked His arrival. This Christmas, let us intentionally prepare our hearts for His long-awaited coming. Let’s wrap the gifts with wonder that He would wrap Himself in flesh. Let us gaze at the lights and remember the Light He brought into the world. Let us wait in anticipation for His coming more than we long for Christmas morning. Let us prepare our hearts even more than we prepare our homes. This is the whole purpose of Christmas.

Erica B.