As I think about the story of Jesus’s birth I am reminded of just how much of the Christmas season revolves around hope and waiting expectantly.

Most of us are familiar of the story of Mary being told by an angel that she would become pregnant with the son of God, and how she and Joseph had to wait what must have seemed like 9 of the longest months awaiting his birth...as well as all of the obstacles they endured shortly after His birth; But often times we forget how many faithful men and women of God awaited His coming long before they received this news!

Simeon and Anna were two people mentioned in the Christmas story that spent almost their entire lives awaiting the birth of the King; But just think of Isaiah and the prophets that eagerly awaited His coming thousands of years in advance! This made me think about how so many times in life we all go through seasons of waiting and trusting in His promises to come to pass.

This certainly was the case when I was praying to get pregnant. I was told by numerous doctors that I may never have a baby after the damage that had been done to my body after years of disordered eating. Yet despite all of the reports of what may never be, I clung to the promises of God; And after five years of trying our Miracle Maddie was born, followed by our rainbow baby Oliver about 5 years later!

The years of waiting taught my husband and I so much about what it means to hold steadfast to the promises of God. It also taught us so much about His faithfulness. There be seasons of endurance that we all must go through, but in the end these seasons can refine our character, strengthen our faith, and deepen our fellowship with God when we turn to Him.

This Christmas season, if you are in a season of hearth ache, or if you are praying for a long awaited promise, remember that God is for you, and He is faithful to His promises.

When the journey gets tough or the road seems long, keep your eyes on the one who brings peace that passes all understanding; Emmanuel, “God with Us”. We can find great comfort knowing that Jesus is the greatest promise that has ever been fulfilled. You can trust if He has been faithful once, He will do it again! Don’t lose hope. Keep trusting. Faithful Father is who He is!