Finding Peace When You’re Waiting on God at Christmas
“Hey mom! Could I add things to my Christmas list?”
This has been one of my youngest’s favorite activities since Halloween ended. He loves to tap through the Amazon app or flip through the Walmart ads looking for the perfect things to add to his list.
Each day, without me ever having to mention it, the kids add a fresh ornament to our countdown to Christmas tree. During our evening circle time we’re sticking Jesse tree ornaments on our felt tree too, each one bringing us closer and closer to a full tree.
My children are the definition of anticipation right now. They bask in each tradition all while longing for the peak of the season–Christmas morning–and the great present unwrapping. Don’t get me wrong, they love driving to look at lights, baking cookies, shopping for others, their schools annual reindeer games, going to their grandparents, and celebrating at church. They know Christmas is all about Jesus.
But the presents. The presents call them. And waiting for the presents to come, to be opened and enjoyed “feels like it’s taking forever.”
We’ve all been there. Waiting and hoping for God to work in our lives like He’s promised. Feeling uncertain when or how He’ll act. We feel the same anticipation that’s thick this time of year.
When you’re stuck wondering when God will make a move or how much longer you’ll have to wait–here’s some good news.
“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.” -Psalms 40:1-3 NLT
God is active in our waiting. Even though to my kids it may seem like the tree spot under the tree is empty and no gifts are present, I am working hard behind the scenes sharing ideas with relatives, shopping, organizing, and wrapping. The gifts are here, tucked away in secret spots, their dad and I are just waiting for Christmas morning to unveil them.
Behind the scenes, in cosmic ways we may never fully understand, God is working in our waiting. He’s not distant even when it feels like it. His heart is attuned to our cries. He’s pulling us close as He raises us up and out of our messes. He’s steadying us. Walking with us. Giving us a fresh song of worship to sing about His goodness.
Craig Groeschel says, “A waiting season is not a wasted season.”
Our seasons of waiting on God’s promises aren’t wasted if because of those seasons we know and love God more deeply. God wants to meet us, teach us, become our best friend and true confidant through the waiting season. Waiting isn’t always comfortable or pleasant, but it’s a tool God uses to mature us as followers of Jesus.
Through waiting seasons I’ve learned to cherish God Himself, not just the gifts He gives. I’ve come to (sometimes grudgingly and sometimes joyfully) trust His timelines over my own. I know not just with my head, but with my heart, “that you can do anything and no plan of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2)
I’m not sure if this Christmas season is going just how you thought it would or God has been disrupting your expectations with His unique plan. But either way, you can trust Him. He is worth waiting for.
Jesus, give us patience and peace as we wait in anticipation for YOUR move in our lives. We want everything at prime speed, but you don’t operate on a two-day shipping guarantee. May we learn to love you more and know you more as we wait on You. Amen.
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