In the Days Before Christmas…
In the days before Christmas, the man who owned the stable was coping with his overcrowded home. Relatives had poured in from everywhere, answering Caesar’s demand that all of the Roman empire be taxed. He wasn’t sure who was a cousin and who was pretending to be family. He had taken pity on one poor relation, a young couple fresh from the upcountry. She was pregnant, due to deliver any day. He had no idea that in a few days, his nighttime slumber would be interrupted by shepherds bustling around his barn, eager to see a new baby. They babbled on about angels and a Savior being born. How could he know the hope of the world was lying in his feed trough, in his barn?
In the days before Christmas, the shepherds were out in the fields, guiding their sheep to fresh grass, making sure they had fresh water, and keeping watch at night for predators and thieves. Their job sounded more romantic than it was. The nights were long and tedious; the days were repetitive. They had no idea in a few days the tedium would change. An angel would burst into view, scaring them to death. There was good news, the angel said, for a Savior was born in Bethlehem. Then the sky filled with angels, proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.” They would leave their flocks and go to find their Savior, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
In the days before Christmas, the wise men were deep in their books, trying to divine the mysteries of the universe. In the evening, they scanned the heavens, seeking to fathom both the past and the future. They had no idea in a few days, a star would appear. There was something remarkable about this star; it seemed to call them. They had no idea they would be saddling up for a fifty-day journey, that nights would be filled with discussions about the new king and what he would mean for history, or that once they arrived in Judea, they would meet the evil King Herod, and a baby in a humble house, who would be the hope of the world.
In the days before Christmas, Herod was secure on his throne. Many had died to provide him that security, including his own son and one of his wives. Herod had been in control of his corner of the Roman empire for a very long time, and in his old age, his paranoia grew. But for the moment, he saw no threats on the horizon. He had no idea that in a few weeks, the wise men from the east would show up, looking for the one born King of the Jews. Their simple inquiry at the King’s court fueled his paranoia, and his insecurities raged. He ordered the death of all the infant boys under two in Bethlehem, determined to eliminate any contenders to his throne.
In the days before Christmas, Simeon showed up at the Temple, as he had done for years, wondering if today would be the day he would see the salvation of the Lord. God had promised him he would not die until he saw the Messiah with his own eyes. God made that promise but was not specific on the timing. Every day Simeon scanned the line of parents and babies coming to offer sacrifices of redemption. But God had not yet said, “This one.” He had no idea that in a few days, scanning the line, the Spirit would say to him, “That couple. That baby. He is the salvation of Israel.” In just a few days, God would keep his promise.
In the days before Christmas, Mary knew. So did Joseph. So did Elizabeth and Zachariah. They knew God was doing something extraordinary, that the one who would “Save his people from their sins” was growing inside the womb of Mary. Mary and Zachariah had seen angels. Joseph had a dream. Elizabeth heard the news from Zachariah (once he could speak again) and then had it confirmed by her own baby leaping in her womb. They knew an amazing child was going to be born and all four of them were part of what God was doing.
Most of the people in the Christmas story had no idea that in just a few days, Jesus would be born, and their whole world would change. An innkeeper would host a miracle. Shepherds would hear words of hope. Wise men would feel compelled to investigate what God was doing. A despot King would feel threatened. An old man would see the promise of God come true.
Sometimes we wonder if God is listening to our prayers. Sometimes we wonder if God is taking action to make right the wrongs of this world. Sometimes we wonder if we wait in vain. “Wait on the Lord,” Isaiah said. “Your strengthen will be renewed.” If you feel hopeless, exhausted, or just worn out, I have good news for you: Hold on, a Savior is about to be born.