The opening line of Clement C. Moore's Poem " The Night Before Christmas" has been on repeat in my head this season.
Twas the night before Christmas
when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring
not even a mouse;
Moore's simple use of the word "when" establishes all the sense of anticipation without the need of the lines to follow. Something was excepted yet no one was aware or alert enough to be seeking it.
Much of the first Christmas echo's the sentiment of this line. For years the people of God had been hanging on the promise of a Savior. They whole-heartily yearned for it. But their anticipation had lost it's vigor. The promise became more of a fact that was cited in the synagogue, than a truth that formed the way they lived. The casualness of their seeking brought their anticipation to a somber-sleep. Who had the time to stir in their waiting; work had to be done.
Jesus, the promised Messiah, arrived in the most uncelebrated way possible. The closest recognition of his Kingship was a visit from the shepherds; who got, quite possibly, the most blatantly obvious nudge. It wasn't two years until those deemed "wise" found their way to him, yet they arrived looking for Him in Jerusalem.
Jesus arrived silently.
And maybe that was the point.
Jesus arrived lowly. Our very lack of anticipation was a sign of the reason He was coming in the first place.
Knowing Jesus' cause and the fulfillment of His actions to redeem our brokenness should lead us to respond with renewed anticipation. Today, Jesus is returning again to complete the story of His people. His creatures, holding to a promise of what is done vs to be done, should have us stirring. Our candle wicks should be lit, shining a light, in seek of his return. Our renewed anticipation should impact how we live... awake to the footsteps of His Kingdom.
May this Christmas be a gentle reminder of the hope we have and stir our hearts to live for Him.
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning...
It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them."
// Luke 12:35,37
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