So We Wait

Isaiah 9:2 (NIV) —

‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.’

Psalm 130:6 (NIV) 

‘I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.’

December is the darkest month of the year. The days are short and the nights are long. There have been moments this month where I’ve longed for the sun. And it feels contradictory, almost ludicrous, that in this season we would celebrate the birth of Jesus, the light coming into the world. 

Living in darkness, pondering light. 

But this beautiful contradiction gives us a truer picture of the birth of Jesus, a greater depth to and understanding of what the Lord has done, and therefore signals how we can respond. 

When Isaiah spoke this prophecy from God over Israel, they were a nation oppressed and defeated, conquered by neighbouring nations and longing for their Messiah to arrive and triumph. A people living in deep darkness. And they would remain there for 700 years. The light seemed far from view. But they knew that the promised gift was worth waiting for, a truth that would be unveiled in the birth of Jesus. 

How much more should we, having received the gift of Jesus Christ, know that he is worth waiting for, worth longing for, worth placing our hope in.  

When we wait like watchmen, we don’t wait unconvinced or worried. We wait with certainty. I used to work night shifts in a hospital and some nights it felt as though morning would never come. And yet, it always did. Morning always comes, we can be certain of it. Just as Israel could be certain of the coming Messiah. Just as we can be certain of the hope found in Jesus.  

So, if December feels dark, or life feels hard today, why don’t you practise waiting on the Lord. Trusting that he is good and his promises stand forever. You need only look to the birth of Jesus to know this truth. 

Prayer - Jesus, we wait on you today. We place our trust and hope in you. Even when the night feels darkest, we know that light is coming. 

Song recommendation: O come O come Emmanuel