Though I’m inclined toward procrastination, I find it hard to put off serious thinking at Christmas. Thoughts of missing my family crowd into the forefront. Christmas creates longing.
We see it in the characters in old classics and in new movies churned out to maximize the appeal of the season. What’s everybody longing for? Family, friends, peace, healing, safety, meaning, belonging. They want rest and something to be glad for. We believers long for the same things. We procrastinators long to change.
And we all long for Jesus.
For those of us who know Him, Christmas is both a creator of longing and a respite from longing because it reminds us Jesus came. He comforts and carries me while I miss my family.
God’s children longed for their Savior to come. They waited hundreds of years. God kept His word. He did indeed send His Son. Imagine the inexpressible joy of those who recognized their Savior and King! He came!
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”
I think about the rescue mission Jesus came on – to get me! To redeem me, take me back for my Father. He snatched me from sin and Satan. I was in desperate need, longing for rescue, and unable to do anything permanent for my own relief. He came for me!
I’d be grateful to anybody who rescued me, but Oh! It’s my Father and my Brother!
Imagine rushing into their arms! Safe! I can relax! I can breathe! The longings of my heart find their peace in Him.
A dear friend shares in her testimony that she realized at last, “I really am saved! I can stop trying so hard.” Her longing satisfied.
Our longing for family, friends, peace, healing, safety, meaning, belonging are all most deeply met in Jesus. We can rest in Him and be glad. Sometimes it takes a while to unwrap all the gifts that are ours in Christ. Let’s not put that off. God our Father has made us His own daughters. We are secure in His family, loved and wanted beyond our greatest longings. What joy! Merry Christmas!
What longings make you glad Jesus came?
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