Christmas is thrilling. Excited children. Cozy family time. Cherished traditions.
And there is much anticipation as we count down the days...
Much like the anticipation for the very first Christmas.
Glorious light! see the dawn of Salvation:
Angels in white fill the skies with their wondrous song;
Awakening earth with news of His birth;
Join the hymn of the highest heavens!
And Christmas wasn't late. It was right on time. At the perfect time in history.
That first Christmas in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago brought the hope of spiritual adoption. Through Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven and made a child of God. Relationship with our Creator God is restored again, as it was at the beginning of time. Relationship restored because the wrath we deserved for our cosmic treason was not poured out on us, but on His Son.
But this Christmas, as wonderful at it will be, is only a glimpse of a future "Christmas" that the whole earth is anticipating! Don't you see the longing in every person for peace, for joy, for security, for complete satisfaction, for complete belonging? It is every heart's cry.
Long has the world fought the song of the angels.
Heavenly music is drowned by a warring world;
Yet hope burns a light, that shatters the night;
Turn your heart to the call of glory!
Every time we take a step in this adoption process, it reminds me anew of God's adoption of His children.
When we stand before a judge in another land, and he declares our daughter to be a part of our family, the adoption will be completed. However, we will have to leave our little girl at her orphanage one last time, while we return to the States, waiting for the finalization of paperwork to bring her home for good. Isn't the comparison stunning? While we can be forgiven, redeemed, and adopted into God's forever family right now, we are still awaiting His final return to take us home. We are waiting for the best "Christmas" morning yet to come!
There is a day all creation has longed for -
When all of time has been spent and the Lord returns;
His song we'll repeat as heaven completes;
Promised peace that will fill the nations!
Since God kept His promise and sent His Son that first Christmas long ago, I know He will keep His promise and Christ will return. And in the mean time, our family will seek to live out lives of faith. And with joyful hope, we trust that next Christmas, this little seat on the end will be filled. A promise kept. An orphan chosen. A faithful God.
Glory to God in the highest!
Peace to men on earth.
Come and adore Him with wonder -
Christ Lord of Heaven and earth.
"Glorious Light" by Keith & Kristyn Getty & Ian Hannah
Copyright © Thankyou Music 2004
Merry Christmas!
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