Anticipation and Anxiety during the most wonderful time of the year
Waiting is the hardest part
I remember waiting with heightened anticipation for each our children’s birth. Don’t get me wrong, Maria had way more reason to be anxious than I did; she was birthing these babies and I was just there!
But nonetheless, there I was waiting, hoping, and praying for a safe outcome for both Mom and baby. Maria had gone into the operating room each time before me to have a spinal. Just typing those words, make me cringe. So each time after she was prepped and ready to go, the nurse came and got me.
I gathered myself and entered the room, hoping this would ease my anxiety…but it really didn’t. Seeing Maria laying there unable to move from the waist down didn’t relax me at all, it just compounded the stress.
*Stay cool* I think to myself as I peak over the curtain during the c-section of our eldest’s birth. Suddenly, the doctor says. “Sit back down! We can’t have you fainting and have two patients in this room!”
I wouldn’t of course…but that doesn’t mean I was prepared for what I saw!
As I sat down slowly, I spoke with Maria about the little person God was going to reveal to us in mere moments.
As the clock ticked, the anticipation built, as we got closer and closer to meeting our boy for the first time.
o What would he look like?...(Turns our like me, only lighter skinned)
o What would he sound like?...(after what felt like an eternity before we heard him, he cried out with a piercing cry…music to our ears…for that moment anyway.
o Was he as big as the ultrasound said?....(smaller. Just 11lbs 2oz, as opposed to the 11lbs 3ozthey forecasted, so ya’ know, dodged a bullet there 😊)
In all of our children’s births, despite each having their own challenges, and unique circumstances, thankfully, we welcomed three healthy babies.
The anticipation and anxiety only waned once the moment had come and gone.
God has acted before and he will act again.
Leading up the moment, at times felt unbearable though.
On the eve of the celebration of the most momentous event in the history of the world, I think What was it like for Joseph and Mary so many years ago?
They were expecting the birth of the savior of the world and they were entrusted to raise Him!
In the gospel of Luke, chapter 2, it simply says; 6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
The greatest miracle in the history of the world, the eternal Son of God being born as a man happened in the unlikeliest of places. Stated succinctly by the gospel writer, it means everything to us today.
Naturally, it brought about a myriad of emotions for Joseph and Mary; fear, joyous anticipation, a longing for clarity and who knows what else.
Like them during this Christmas season, we might find ourselves waiting, or anticipating an outcome with eager expectation. Maybe you’re waiting on test results, a financial breakthrough, or the end of a difficult year or season. Maybe you’re anticipating a better year ahead.
Whatever you wait for now, be reminded that your hope is found in that the Son of God, Jesus the Christ was born circa 2000 years ago and he urges you to cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). He promises that although trouble will come, he has overcome it and he offers you His peace (John 16:33).
On this Christmas eve be reminded that Mary and Joseph, people like you and I had anxious moments, but they went forward trusting in the hope of Saviour and so can we.
What are you waiting for this Christmas?
How can your waiting period increase your trust in Him?
What will you do while you wait for God to act?
—Written by Gary Campbell