Waiting

I've been getting advent wrong all along.

In one of the children's Bible story books it is very clear that there are two kings in the Christmas story. One earthly and one heavenly.

The earthly King, Caesar, is full of his own importance and power. He needs to know just how powerful he is so he gets the whole kingdom on the move so he can count them.

Little did he know that long before God had decreed that His King would be born in Bethlehem. Caesar's power was a mirage.

And in the middle of the chaos the Forever King is born. He doesn't flaunt his power. It was possible, is possible to miss that it ever happened.

We are used to crowds at Christmas time so it doesn't take a huge leap of imagination to envisage Bethlehem at that time.

But His coming was not missed by everyone. I can't help wondering about those who heard the news and recognised the Saviour in that tiny baby. I wonder if what they had in common was quiet and waiting hearts.

We don't know much about the shepherds. They were watching their flocks. We do know that God has a soft spot for shepherds, choosing to describe himself as one in many places. And we know from David's life that being a shepherd left plenty of time for stillness and contemplation, and, if they chose, getting to know Gods heart.

The illustration in the Jesus storybook bible shows them lying on their backs round the fire, staring at the stars when those angels appeared.

The wise men were also staring at the stars. They must, I think, have been searching for something up there. I wonder if they knew what they were seeking, who they were seeking? They found the Maker of the stars come down to earth.

Do you know what or who your heart is longing for? I suspect I know his name.

Then there are Simeon and Anna. I love finding the hidden stories in the Bible of quiet unassuming lives lived in faith, and suddenly thrown into the spotlight. Simeon and Anna didn't lead armies or call fire down from heaven. They spent their days quietly seeking God. Simeon was waiting. He knew God would keep his promise, to send a rescuer. He knew he would see the Saviour before he died. And he had the eyes of faith to recognise him in the child. Anna had spent her days praying, fasting, seeking. And she too was rewarded with seeing her Saviour.

How have we made advent all about doing more- the baking, the fairs, the shopping, the wrapping, the extra church services.... When what we should be doing is slowing down so we don't miss the wonder of Gods gift- Himself.