Waiting to announce
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
We all do things a little differently when it comes time to announce that there's a baby on the way.
For both of my pregnancies I made photos to show the family was growing. We made a big to do in announcing ahead of time that we were expecting girls. Stephen and I knew the babies' names before they were born, but only shared their initials with others. And I know when those sweet babies of mine were delivered, there were a few grandma's ready to tell EVERYONE!
I enjoyed the process of sharing with others. I enjoyed all of the preparation. I enjoyed the celebrations! I even enjoyed some of the waiting.
God was pretty upfront with the Israelites about a few things when he first announced Jesus' coming, some 700 years ahead of time! The people knew to be expecting a son. They knew what he would be called, and that he was coming as their Savior. Some of them were ready to tell the masses, and were ready to meet him now.
God did not tell his people when to expect his Son. Or how he would arrive. Or how he would achieve all that was promised. And when that sweet baby of his finally came, there were angels ready to go and share.
What I find myself wondering this year is how God felt during the waiting; did he have any hope that his people would find their way?
And what about the angels? I would assume they didn't know Jesus' first arrival time, since we're told that even they don't know the day or time of his second return. Did they wait in anticipation, knowing they would get to announce his presence?
Sylvia in the living nativity, December 2021.
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