Expectantly Waiting for Jesus

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The people in this photo are waiting for a parade to begin.  It is interesting to note the different kinds of waiting. Some are facing excitedly in the direction the parade should come from, cameras poised and ready. They have pushed their way to the curb in order to get the best view when things begin. Others have sat down on the curb because the wait is taking too long and they are getting tired. There are those in the back that have given up looking because they can’t see anyway. Some of them are no longer really aware of the parade coming, more interested in things directly around them. Then there are people who have managed to get all the way to the front, but are busy chatting or playing, their backs turned to the coming parade.

“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Matthew 24:44 English Standard Version

The people of Israel did not see Jesus coming. They did not expect Him to be born into a poor insignificant family, birthed among animals. Perhaps they thought there would be plenty of warning before it happened. Somehow many of them missed His birth. Those who were still looking did not miss it, however. Those who had not grown weary of waiting, who did not get distracted, or stop looking all together rejoiced in the birth of their Savior. Like the people standing with their faces toward the parade, they did not know exactly what was coming or when, but they knew it would be good! They were not disappointed by the King of Kings being born in a manger.

We also wait. We celebrate the joy of Jesus’ birth. We draw closer to Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. If we do not grow weary of waiting or get distracted by the things around us, if we do not give up in frustration because of the obstacles before us, then we will see Him coming. We will not miss the first glimpse of Him coming again, we will recognize Him, and shout with joy!

Copyright photo and text by Richelle Hecker