“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15
I remember, as a young child, walking to so many places. Living in a small town, it was just the norm. But I didn’t like it. Admittedly, I was a little lazy and envious of every passing, air-conditioned car. That’s how kids think, I guess.
One particular July day, I remember walking with my aunt to the grocery store in our hometown. Once again, I didn’t want to go, but she coaxed me by promising to buy me a candy bar. Well, that was enough for me. I remember the anticipation that built as we trudged along the hot pavement, knowing that in just a short while, my dreams would be realized, and the satisfaction of the sweet candy would make it all worthwhile.
That was my temporary idol. The adoration and anticipation of that moment was all that mattered in the world. All of my work, aggravation, and sweat felt worthwhile. And do you know what? It was.
I think about that story often, and it becomes particularly interesting when I consider it in light of the journey to Bethlehem. That was a tough walk. There were many more unknowns for Mary and Joseph, but I’m sure the trek itself was the least of their concerns. It had to be hard, hot, and tiring. But they were from a small town, and that was just the norm.
Little did they know what a marvelous gift awaited them. Just up the road, a few steps more, and the anticipated moment of thousands of years would make that tired journey worthwhile.
The wise men, the shepherds, and the various people traveling to be part of the census were all met with the sweetest gift in the history of the universe. The birth of the Savior of the world made it all worthwhile.
It’s more than the old adage, “No pain, no gain.” It’s a small effort in exchange for a tremendous and undeserved gift. Despite our complaining, bad attitudes, and unwillingness to go the “extra mile,” Jesus is still given to us.
So, with anticipation, we journey and wait.
~Rev. James Williams