You must pay close attention to what [the prophets] wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. II Peter 1: 19b

Waiting Expectantly

            It's an exciting time in our family! We're anticipating the births of four, count 'em four, grandchildren, the most our family has ever had on the way at one time.  One baby is due at any moment.

          We know the baby is in there, of course, because we've watched our daughter-in-law's belly grow, and have eagerly listened to reports of the baby's growth and development. While ultrasound reveals that the baby is a girl, and gives us an indistinct look at her form and face, holding her and seeing her face-to-face the first time will bring a fullness of joy that can't be experienced until that moment. Seeing is truly believing.

            For centuries, the Jews eagerly anticipated their coming Messiah. They learned about his attributes and the signs associated with his appearance from the Books of Moses, Psalms, and the Prophets. They mulled and discussed these prophecies for centuries, and yet, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, only a few shepherds and wise men from a distant land recognized him as the promised Messiah, and even though, "All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished," the people didn't yet recognize him as their promised Messiah (Luke 2:18).  

            Though the majority didn't recognize him, a few did. As recorded in Luke chapter two, when Jesus was presented in the Temple at eight days of age, Simeon, a "righteous and devout" man of God, recognized him as the Promised One.

 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him ²⁶ and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. ²⁷ That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, ²⁸ Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

²⁹ "Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
    as you have promised.
³⁰ I have seen your salvation,
³¹ which you have prepared for all people.
³² He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
    and he is the glory of your people Israel!"

Anna, an elderly prophetess from the tribe of Asher, also recognized him in the Temple that day, and, "talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem" (Luke 2: 38b). Yet, still there was no groundswell of recognition and rejoicing.

            And though, when Jesus was twelve years old and talked with the religious leaders in the Temple, and "All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers," he wasn't yet recognized  (Luke 2: 47). As Jesus' public ministry began to unfold and he performed miracle after miracle, and expounded on the Scriptures in the Temple with such authority that Scripture tells us repeatedly the people were "astonished," most still didn't recognize him. For a time, even Jesus' own brothers didn't recognize him for who he was!

            Though our grandchildren's births haven't been anticipated and prophesied for centuries, and certainly won't be as world-changing as Jesus' birth, what a sad day it would be if we as their family failed to recognize and acknowledge them as our own! We are waiting expectantly to see each new baby face-to-face for the first time. I expect each time will be a bit like entering heaven after being born into the next life, and seeing Jesus' face for the first time. What joy! Believing is truly seeing.

Daye Phillippo

July 2017