Day 1 Christmas Good News: On Waiting Well

As we finally arrive at the last month of the year, we meet different kinds of rush: a rush on work deadlines, a rush to buy Christmas gifts, a rush to attend various festivities, and maybe even a "rush" to mend relationships to end the year right. As we catch our collective breaths, this also makes us look forward to the holidays, where we can pause all of life's busyness and finally rest.

For many of us, 2022 was a transition year. From online to face-to-face meetings, some transitioned from singleness to married life, while some walked into a new workplace; we all experienced and navigated through different changes this year. All change demands a variety of emotions and a display of strength, which may be why some, if not many of us, entered this month tired and dreaming of teleporting when we can finally take our leaves. However, we know it's not that easy. Day after day, we return to our textbooks, paperwork, and spreadsheets and continue to look forward to our much-anticipated rest and time with loved ones. With all the piling Christmas parties and other stresses, is it possible to wait well?

In the English language, the word "wait" implies a passive action like being still or staying in the same place. We see this when we say we're waiting in line or for something/someone to arrive. However, one of the translations of "wait" in the Hebrew language is the word "Qavah"; Qavah is an active waiting laden in anticipation and excitement, similar to a dog's reaction when its master comes home after a long day. This type of waiting is anchored in the promise that what we're waiting for will come. 

"30 Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, 31 Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." (Isaiah 40:30-31)

The object of our wait is not the end of our piled up tasks or busy schedule. Instead, we anchor our waiting on the One who gives us the strength to keep going. As God meets us in this busy season, we anticipate that the time of rest will eventually arrive. We hold on to the promise that He will sustain as we walk the remaining days of 2022. God will also renew our strength to keep moving forward as we enter 2023. 

Equipped with God's promises, we can now return to our rest as we remember all the ways the Lord has been good to us this year (Psalm 116:7). To wait on the Lord is never in vain, so wait well, my friend.

Reference: https://www.qavahministries.org/latest-news/2018/11/29/qavah