I Can Hardly Wait

I could hardly wait for our family Christmas Day celebrations with our Austin family. It was Jesus' birthday, so naturally, there was a birthday cake in His honor. We even gathered around and sang "Happy Birthday" to Him – a simple yet profound reminder of why we celebrate.

Thanks be to God – the waiting is over. We’ve journeyed through the Advent season, hearts prepared, ready to receive the Christ child on Christmas morning. Now, with joy overflowing, we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come!”

I know you can sense where I’m going with this – the waiting, the longing, the anticipation. It’s not just about Christmas morning. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 1:20, expressing his own eager expectation:

“My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”

Paul could hardly wait for heaven. And after all he endured, who could blame him? His heart ached for the day he would meet Jesus face to face. Paul’s longing was more than fleeting hope; it was an eager, confident expectation.

Isn’t that how we feel too? The way we eagerly watch our children’s faces light up as they unwrap gifts mirrors our own longing – the anticipation of seeing the greatest gift of all. No wrapping paper could ever contain the glory of our risen Lord and Savior.

The little Lord Jesus is no longer sleeping in the hay. He reigns, and we eagerly await the day when we’ll stand in His presence. Until then, we carry that hope in our hearts, knowing that what’s to come far outweighs anything we’ve ever imagined.

In the words of Max Lucado:
“The manger invites, even dares us to believe the best is yet to be. And it could all begin today.”

Oh, I want to see Him – look upon His face!
There to sing forever – God's amazing grace!
On the streets of glory – let me lift my voice!
Cares all past – home at last – ever to rejoice!

Oh, to see my Lord and Savior face to face – I can hardly wait!