Merry Christmas, my dear friend!

As I pondered the message for this Christmas week, it suddenly occurred to me that a number of people had been waiting for the birth of the Messiah that special night so long ago. You probably know most of them, but in light of this series on waiting, I thought it appropriate to mention them:

Mary: Her waiting lasted approximately nine months

Joseph: His waiting was determined by the time he knew Mary carried the Savior in her womb.

Angels: Their waiting—unknown. Were they summoned only moments before they broke out in their glorious chorus? Or did they have advance knowledge?

Shepherds: Their waiting involved believing the timing of the prophetic words of their prophets.

Elizabeth: Her waiting lasted approximately six months

Zacharias: His waiting intertwined with the prophetic words, his encounter with Gabriel, and the birth of Jesus.

Wise Men: Their waiting began at the moment they saw the star and began traveling from the East. Some scholars say it could have taken up to two years.

King Herod: His waiting began once he heard the news of the birth of the new king.

Scribes, Pharisees, Religious leaders: Their waiting involved believing the timing of the prophetic words of their prophets.

Simeon: His waiting was unknown; however, Scripture states that he would not see death until he had seen the Christ.

Anna: Her waiting lasted at least 84 years or more.

The nation of Israel: Their waiting involved believing the timing of the prophetic words of their prophets.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Their waiting began from before the foundation of the world.

His birth was the beginning of his death, for the salvation of lost souls, the redemption of mankind, the healing of nations. And our Heavenly Father entrusted all of this to us, his sons and daughters, to share the gospel with the lost souls, the plan of redemption to all of humanity, and healing for the nations. An overwhelming assignment that starts with just one. Be the one for the one who is waiting.

Below are some questions to reflect and/or journal. Feel free to share your thoughts—I would love to hear from you.

• Who do you identify most in your waiting?
• Who can you learn from in your waiting?
• How will this message affect your prayer life?

Have a wonderful, anointed, blessed Christmas!

Penelope Kaye