Christmas is undeniably a season of waiting. In our modern world, anticipation builds as we look forward to Christmas morning, eager to open beautifully wrapped gifts, enjoy festive meals, and spend time with loved ones. However, waiting can be difficult, especially in a culture that prioritizes instant gratification. Have you ever tried to sneak a peek at your gifts before Christmas? While I've never done that, the temptation is certainly there! Once the excitement of Christmas Day passes and the last gift is opened, we often find ourselves feeling empty—especially as the decorations come down and the reality of the world sets back in.
But here’s the good news: Christmas isn’t finished yet! Today, I want to explore what I call the three W’s of Christmas: Worship While Waiting.
Mary, a young woman, received an incredible message: she would give birth to the "Son of the Most High God." Her humble response was, "Behold, the Lord's bond-servant; may it be done according to Your word.”
While we don’t know exactly how much time passed before Jesus’ birth, we see that God was already at work in the lives of two faithful servants: Simeon and Anna.
In Luke 2:25-32, we learn about Simeon, a righteous man looking forward to the consolation of Israel. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Christ. When Jesus was brought to the temple, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, declaring, "Now, Lord, You are letting Your bond-servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen Your salvation.”
Then there’s Anna, a prophetess described in Luke 2:36-38. She was advanced in years, having dedicated her life to worshiping in the temple with fasting and prayer. When Anna saw Jesus, she gave thanks to God and spoke about Him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Simeon and Anna both worshiped while waiting and experienced the fulfillment of God’s promises. They were ready, prepared, and satisfied in their waiting. Simeon found comfort, and Anna discovered redemption. Worshiping God while we wait is vitally important. You may wonder, "If Christmas is complete, why should we continue to wait? Isn't God's purpose already fulfilled?"
This is where the three W’s come into play. Christmas is not merely a historical event; it is a lasting reminder that God took on flesh to save humanity. Jesus had to die and rise again to fulfill the prophecy of redemption for all people.
Christmas signifies the beginning of our journey and should be celebrated joyfully every day of the year, not just on December 25—as you may already know, the first documented celebration of Christmas was in 336 AD. Before this, Jesus' birth was celebrated in various ways and on different dates to reflect His significance to the early Church.
This evening, as we gather to celebrate, reflect, and respond on the eve of our Savior's birth, we recognize that we have a reason to rejoice that transcends the world’s view of Christmas. A Savior has been born unto us, who is Christ the Lord. The nativity story carries no mark of hatred or evil from God; those elements come from humanity. It’s a testament to the one truth that saves us. Despite all the worldly views and circumstances, nothing on earth can take away the meaning of Christmas, much like Easter! As we recognize the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in our lives, we will begin to see Christmas in a whole new way.
I know someone who leaves their nativity scene up year-round, and this is a vital witness to the truth of what the manger scene symbolizes—a saving grace that frees us from death, hell, and the grave. Sin no longer binds us because the Savior of the world came to save you and me. In this, we worship while we wait for our Lord’s return.
As we worship while waiting, we can remember Paul’s words: "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." Christ, who was offered once to take away the sins of many, will return to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.
On this Christmas Eve, I acknowledge that waiting patiently and worshiping amid uncertainties can be challenging. For those of us who have placed our faith in Christ, our challenge is to continue anticipating His Second Coming and to be ready. Christmas can and should be celebrated every day. When He returns, we will be comforted, and all things will be made right.
Let this Christmas fill you with peace and joy beyond words. Remember that as God came to us as a child, He is in all, through all, and above all things. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Through Him, all things were made; without Him, nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness never will overcome it.
So, how can we worship while we wait for God?
First, let’s reflect on how we are waiting. In Revelation 21, God proclaims, “Behold, I am making all things new.” This is where faith comes in, reinforced by Romans 8:28: “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Next, we need to dispel fear to worship Him fully. Trust that good things will come in His perfect timing. We must also loosen our grip on control. God understands our emotions, as Psalm 139 beautifully illustrates. Instead of wrestling with God, allow Him to guide you.
Finally, “Trust in what you know to be true over what you feel to be true.” Truth is the only thing that sets us free. As we wait for God, the truth will always reveal itself. Consider these reassuring words from the Psalms: “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” This is the God of Christmas—not just on December 25, but every day of the year. In summary, Christmas Eve is both a spiritual and cultural observance that prepares Christians and their families for the celebration of Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day. It is a time of reflection, family gatherings, joyous anticipation, and meaningful traditions.
In closing, I’d like to share a poem I wrote:
"If you look for me at Christmas, you won't need a special star.
I'm no longer just in Bethlehem; I'm right there where you are.
You may not be aware of me amid the celebrations;
You'll have to look beyond the stores and all the decorations.
But if you take a moment from your list of things to do
And listen to your heart, you'll find I'm waiting right there with you.
I am not only present during songs and celebrations,
But I move throughout the year to save souls and make preparations.
You're the one I want to be with; you're the reason that I came,
And you'll find me in the stillness as I whisper your name."