The Waiting Room

Galatians 4:4-7 – But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (KJV)

A waiting room is a terrible place. Through the births of four grandchildren and many surgeries of my family members, I can testify to this fact. Sitting in a waiting room, one's emotions run the gamut from fear to hopefulness. Being involved in the actual process is different. Having birthed three children of my own, I would rather be in the delivery room any time, rather than outside, awaiting the outcome of a loved one's suffering.

Only in the fullness of time, that is, when the doctor or nurse, or the receptionist handling the telephone, delivers the news of the outcome, can some sense of relief be found.

This brings our thoughts back 2000 years to the birth of Jesus in the stable in Bethlehem. We know little about how the birth took place, how involved Joseph was in the delivery, or what, if any, assistance Mary might have had, but we do feel that Joseph was actively involved in the delivery rather than the waiting room scene.

Mary and Joseph probably questioned the timing. Why couldn't the baby have been born a week earlier in Nazareth? That was not God's plan. His Son was to be born in Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph had been chosen to be a part of God's plan. They were overwhelmed by all the things that had happened to them, but they humbly went along with the flow of events.

Advent is over. Christmas Day has come and gone. The waiting is over for those who accept Jesus as their Saviour. Others are still in the waiting room. Where are we?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for our Saviour, sent to earth at the right moment in time to save us from our sins. The terror of the waiting room is over. We are part of Your plan and actively involved in Your process. Thank You. Amen.

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